GAESO misappropriating funds: UBGEAN

A newly formed United British Gurkha Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Nepal (UBGEAN), has said that Gorkha Army Ex-Servicemen Organisation (GAESO) has been misappropriating tens of millions of rupees in the name of fighting for equal facilities to the British Gurkhas.

Speaking at a press conference in the Capital on Tuesday, chairman of UBGEAN Prem Rai said the GAESO collected millions of rupees in the pretext of moving British courts for Ex-Soldiers and spent them unnecessarily without maintaining any records.

Rai has accused the GAESO of killing the 15-year-old international campaign for equal treatment.

According to him, the GAESO refused assistance from parliament, failed to maintain transparency, hired a lawyer from the opponent’s firm and gave up its demands.

Rai added GESO chairman Padam Bahadur Gurung, Legal Advisor Gopal Sibakoti 'Chintan' and Advisor Dr Surendra KC were involved in the irregularities.

He said his organization will continue fight for the equal pay and perks in a systematic way, adding "the UBGEAN had no immediate plans to file a case against the discrimination, adding that the organisation would rather sensitise the issue in the community."

The Ex-British Gurkha soldiers are fighting for equal pay and perks as of their British counterparts since years. nepalnews.com pb Nov 09 05