Sharachchandra Bhandary
Lhasa (China), June 29: Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, a programme on collaboration, partnership and experience exchange was recently organized here between the cities that have established sister city relations with various cities in China.
The programme, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Nepal here and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Xizang Autonomous Region, discussed the issue of further strengthening and deepening relations between the two countries. A friendly and cooperative relationship characterized mutual respect, understanding and support have been strengthened at the government and people’s level through various high-level exchanges and agreements since time immemorial.
The sister city relations, which began with the establishment of collaboration between Banepa Municipality and Shigatse Municipality in 1999, have entered into 25th year. In the past 25 years, sister relations have been established between Linchi-Pokhara, Lhasa-Kathmandu, Sannan-Bhaktapur, Karua-Jiri, Nakchu-Tokha and Shigatse-Bharatpur.
The programme, which was organized for the first time by including municipalities with sister cities, was participated by a delegation led by Dhanraj Acharya, the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City. The delegation consisted of 21 participants, including representatives from the Bagmati Province Government, Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bharatpur Metropolitan Cities, and Dhulikhel, Banepa, Jiri, Tokha and Bhaktapur Municipalities. Representatives from Lhasa, Shigatse, Linzhi, Nakchu, Sannan, Karuo, Nagar and Ali Prefectures of Xizang Autonomous Region participated in the programme.
On the occasion, Vice Chairman of the Xizang Government Zhao Ping expressed his belief that the programme would add a new dimension to the friendly relations between China and Nepal and transform the close and cordial relations between the cities into development and prosperity.
Mayor Acharya said that the development assistance received from the Chinese side, as well as the empathy shown towards Nepal and Nepalis, were motivating for Nepal towards building a common future. Stating that Nepal can learn a lot from China’s development, he said that China has presented a vision that development goals can be achieved through political commitment.
Chief Secretary of Bagmati Province Bhupal Baral emphasized the need for cooperation between Nepal and the cities of Xizang Autonomous Region in the fields of tourism, culture, education, trade and technology.
Laxmi Prasad Niraula, Nepali Consul General based here expressed his commitment to make every effort to further strengthen relations with sister cities and expressed gratitude for the long-standing support of Xizang and the Chinese government in Nepal’s socio-economic development.
On that occasion, a letter of intent was also signed between Dhulikhel and Ali Prefecture to establish sister city relations. The Nepali participants also expressed their belief that through the mutual cooperation between the two countries, and especially the relations between sister cities, the relations between the peoples of Nepal and China will be further enhanced and more meaningful results will be achieved in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, at the friendly invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Foreign Affairs Department, a 15-member delegation comprising senior journalists and academia from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Mongolia, Japan, the Russian Federation and Switzerland visited various places in Xinjiang Autonomous Region and learned about the socio-economic development rapidly taking place there.
Located in the southwestern part of China, most of the region, spread over an area of 1.2 million square kilometers, is located at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. According to a government data released two years ago, this region, with a population of 3.6 million, is home to more than 50 ethnic groups, in addition to Tibetans. Here, ethnic groups including Han, Hui, Memba, Loba, Naxi, Nu, and Dulong are living in peace and harmony cooperating with each other.
Xizang, which is also home to the Dang and Sherpa communities, has been a part of China since ancient times, says Cheng Fong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs. “All these ethnic groups are beloved members of the big Chinese family. The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012 decided to lead the Xinjiang Autonomous Region along with the rest of the country on the journey of prosperity and modernization. With the strategic vision of Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, we will promote people-centered development and revitalize China on the world stage. We attach great importance to the development of Xinjiang,” he said.
According to Deputy Director General Cheng, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, implementing socialism with Chinese characteristics and the system of regional ethnic autonomy, we will lead Xinjiang into a new era of development, safeguard national unification and strengthen ethnic unity, bring prosperity to Xinjiang and its people, unite them and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the entire region. It is to improve people’s lives and strengthen their unity in socio-economic development, and prioritize ecological and environmental protection.
The China Xizang Trans-Himalayan Forum of Entrepreneurs was held in Linzhi, the second largest city of the region, on Saturday to establish a unique identity for Xizang and tell and showcase the developments that took place in the region over the past 60 years to the international community. This forum for international and regional cooperation discussed various aspects of entrepreneurship, development, commerce and trade.
At the conference jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Foreign Affairs Department of Xizang Autonomous Region, Nepali Ambassador to China Krishna Prasad Oli expressed gratitude for the continuous support received from the Chinese government in Nepal’s development efforts and said that such conferences would help Nepal and other least developed countries on the path of progress and learn from Chinese experience.
Established as the Trans-Himalayan Forum in 2018, the forum has organized four conferences so far. More than 400 people, including academia, political leaders, diplomats and members of civil society, from more than 20 international cooperation organizations from 50 countries, have participated. The Xizang government has stated that the forum aims to unite the nations of the Trans-Himalayan region while maintaining ecological balance and preserving culture.
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HoR session today to endorse Civil Service Bill
Kathmandu, June 29: Both the Houses of the Federal parliament are scheduled to have their meetings today.
The House of Representatives (HoR) session is scheduled to take place at 1.00 pm Sunday in the New Baneswor-based Federal Parliament building.
In today’s session, there is an agenda to pass the Civil Service Bill.
There have been complaints galore over the complications evolving in the implementation of the administrative federalism despite the country usurping to federal structure.
It may be noted that the agenda of endorsing the bill in the HoR session scheduled for last June 17 was put on hold in the eleventh hour.
As per the agenda set for today, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta will present a proposal seeking deliberations on the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2080 along with the report of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
The bill will be endorsed after the lawmakers put their views on the proposal. Once the bill will get endorsed from the HoR, it will be sent to the National Assembly.
According to the due process, the Speaker will certify the bill after the Upper House passes it and returns to the Lower House. The bill then will be presented to the President following certification from the Speaker and will come to effect after the authentication from the Head of the State.
The Upper House is also scheduled to have a meeting today. In the session set to take place at 12.15 pm, there is a scheduled agenda for a group discussion on different headings of 14 ministries under the Appropriation Bill, 2082.
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Heavy rainfall likely in some places of four provinces
Kathmandu, June 29: The weather this afternoon will remain partly to fully cloudy across the country due to the influence of monsoon winds.
There is a chance of light to moderate rainfall, along with thunder and lightning in some areas of the hilly regions, including Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in some other areas, according to the Weather Forecasting Division.
There is a chance of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in one or two places in some areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces and in one or two places in the hilly regions of other provinces. The Division has predicted light to moderate rainfall and snowfall in some areas of the high hilly and mountainous regions of the country. According to the weather forecasting bulletin, it will remain partly to fully cloudy across the country tonight.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in many places of the hilly regions, including Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in some other areas.
In one or two places in Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, as well as in hilly areas of other provinces, there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall in some areas of the high hilly and mountainous regions of the country, the Division informed.
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PM’s message on National Paddy Day
Kathmandu, June 29: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the entire agriculture sector should be advanced to the path of boosting production through the use of modern technologies.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the National Paddy Day today, the Prime Minister noted, “Today is Asar 15 –a festival to acknowledge our production and diligence. The paddy day represents our time-honoured tradition of paddy plantation, where the fragrance of life is realized with soil; a worship of sweat with water and a dream of yielding rice grains. En though I am outside the country now, memories of planting paddy since childhood have hovered my mind”.
Prime Minister Oli in his message noted that the government has introduced a programme for agricultural modernization to increase production through the use of modern techniques and technologies.
The message stated, “Let us engage our efforts to boost production by devising modern and technology-intensive measures in agriculture. My best wishes to one and all on Asar 15 (the Paddy Day), the day for enjoying yogurt and beaten rice”.
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President extends best wishes on National Paddy Day
Kathmandu, June 29: President Ramchandra Paudel has pointed out the need of developing and expanding modern agriculture technology by engaging labour force and other human capital within the country.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the National Paddy Day today, President Paudel called for expanding food technology associated to paddy noting it was a matter of concern for gradual increment in the import of paddy and rice every year.
President Paudel underlined the need of concentrating our efforts towards becoming self-reliant in paddy production with the promotion of culture of labour by ending the state of keeping land uncultivated.
“May the Day today encourage us to work for reducing import, assuring food security and promoting the culture of respecting agriculture labour by adopting climate-smart technology in paddy yielding”, the message reds.
The National Paddy Day is being marked this year with the ideal theme ‘Intensity in Paddy Production: Food Security and Self-reliance’.
The Constitution has guaranteed every citizens’ right to food, President Paudel said, highlighting the importance of promoting paddy production for the effective implementation of the fundamental right that is to save lives from food crisis.
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Three persons, including father and daughter die in a motorbike accident
Itahari (Sunsari), June 29: Three persons, including father and daughter died and two others sustained critical injuries in a motorbike accident on Chatara-Kanchhi Chowk road section in Ramdhuni Municiplaity-7 of Sunsari.
The accident occurred when a motorcycle (Ko 33 Pa 9605) en route to Kalabanzar from Chatra-Kanchhi Chowk collided with another motorcycle (Prades 1-02-056 Pa 5864) from the opposite direction.
The deceased have been identified as 34-year-old Inarchan Chaudhary, his nine-year-old son Pranish, and another motorcycle rider, 51-year-old Bindhu Yadav.
According to the District Police Office, the injured were rushed to the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), where they were pronounced died during treatment.
In the accident, Inarchan Chaudhary’s 32-year-old wife Pratisha and 36-year-old Ramesh Chaudhary of Itahari-7 were critically wounded.
The police informed that they are undergoing treatment in the Dharan-based BPKIHS.
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PM Oli arrives in Madrid
Madrid (Spain), June 29: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived here in course of attending the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development of the United Nations.
Nepali Ambassador to Spain, Shanil Nepal, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, and senior officers of the Foreign Ministry of Spain, welcomed Prime Minister Oli at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport here.
The PM Oli led Nepali delegation is scheduled to reach Seville, the conference venue, this evening.
Meanwhile, PM Oli and Tanzanian Vice President, Dr Phillip Mpango, held a meeting earlier this morning.
The meeting was held at Hamad International Airport, Doha, of Qatar in course of heading towards official visit to Spain to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development of the United Nations.
On the occasion, they discussed the various dimensions of mutual relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Oli’s Principal Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, among other officials in the PM’s entourage was present on the occasion.
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President Paudel participates in paddy transplanting ceremony
Kathmandu, June 29: A rice planting ceremony has been organized at the President House, Shital Niwas to commemorate the National Paddy Day today.
President Ramchandra Paudel and First Lady Sabita Paudel also participated in the paddy transplantation ceremony.
Inaugurating the rice planting on the occasion, the Head of the State spoke on the need of modernizing and commercializing the country’s agriculture.
He said that he participated symbolically in the plantation to promote a culture of respect for all kinds of labor, including agriculture, and to encourage rice production.
The President emphasized that farmers, who are engaged in agriculture and are striving to introduce it as a pillar of employment, should be honoured as food producers.
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Butwal-Narayangadh road completely blocked
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), June 29: The Butwal- Narayangadh road section is completely blocked due to flooding in the river located on the alternative route in the Dumkibas area of Nawalpur (Bardghat Susta East).
After the flood, traffic has completely stopped on the diversion operated for cargo vehicles and also on the alternative road used for small and passenger vehicles at Binayi Khola located in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-1, said Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal at the District Police Office Nawalparasi (Bardghat Susta East).
“Currently, the traffic has been stopped at the diversion and along the alternative route for this road section via Hongsi Gate and Jyamire, and the vehicles parked at a safe place,” he said.
According to him, due to the rain, the water level in the Kharange rivulet in Binayi Triveni-3 has increased, which has completely blocked the alternative route.
“A situation has arisen in the Daunne Dumkibas section of this road where no vehicles can pass,” said Superintendent Dhakal.
With the continuous rain, the temporary diversion constructed over the Binayi rivulet under the East-West Highway has been frequently washed away due to the increased water flow in the rivulet.
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Government committed to promoting agricultural production: Minister Adhikari
Patan (Lalitpur), June 29: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has said the government is committed to delivering for the cause of farmers.
Addressing the 22nd National Paddy Day and Paddy Transplantation Festival, 2082 BS organised at the National Seed Science Technology Research Center today, the Minister pledged that the State will give priority to farmers’ issues despite the limited resources.
The programme is organized by the Centre for Crop Development and Agro Bio-diversity Conservation, the Department of Agriculture; National Farmers’ Commission and the National Agricultural Research Council.
The Day was observed with the theme of ‘Intensification in Rice Crops: Food Security and Self-Reliance’.
“Until we focus on production, the prosperity of the nation will not be possible,” he said, emphasizing the need to promote all varieties of rice available in the country to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to this goal. The agriculture minister further promised to end the situation forcing farmers to cry for easy access to fertilizer.
Also speaking on the occasion, President of Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Development Committee, Kusum Thapa, said that the parliamentary committee will proceed with policy dialogue for the urgency of food-sufficiency in the country and give necessary instructions to the government towards that end.
Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Deepak Kumar Kharal called for collective efforts to replace the agriculture imports. As he said, the land utilization policy issued by the government has led to the transformation of arable land to a residential area, underlining the need of addressing the issue.
Stating that paddy has been integral part of human lifestyle and culture, Executive Director of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Krishna Prasad Timsina, added that the NARC has been developing different varieties of rice by resolving climate change related problems.
Preparation was underway to make Nepal self-sufficient on rice by 2030, shared Timsina. Similarly, Dayaram Maramachi, who is honoured with this year’s President Outstanding Farmer Award, stressed the need of farmer-friendly policy arrangement and programmes as well as increase food self-sufficiency.
Presenting a working paper on Self-sufficiency on paddy, rice, Joint-Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ram Krishna Shrestha, said the ten countries producing most rice in the world are in Asia. Nepal’s self-sufficiency in rice production is declining in recent period, he argued.
Likewise, Chief of Centre for Crop Development and Agro Bio-diversity Conservation, Keshav Devkota, shed light on the objective of paddy plantation, sharing that Asar 15 is celebrated as the National Paddy Day every year across the country since 2061 BS with an objective of keeping the morale of farmers high and respecting their labour.
Country’s major food crop, rice has significant role in food security. Though two-types of paddy – monsoon paddy and spring paddy, is planted in Nepal, spring paddy is planted on only around seven percent of the total area under paddy cultivation. It was shared that there was a strong possibility of making Nepal self-sufficient on food and strengthening food security by intensifying rice cultivation through expansion of areas for spring paddy cultivation.
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Vice President Yadav’s message on National Paddy Day
Kathmandu, June 29: Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has pointed out the need of increasing investment on irrigation, seeds, fertilizer and mechanization by transforming paddy cultivation from traditional way to modern technology.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of 22nd National Paddy Day today, Vice-President Yadav shared that it was necessary to make the backbone of food security further strong by moving ahead with determination towards the journey of establishment of sustainable agro system.
He argued, “It is equally necessary to promote climate-friendly agricultural work giving priority to the use of climate adaptation seeds, irrigation facility and organic fertilizer in order to reduce climate change impacts.”
“It is necessary to stop the import of rice worth billions of rupees annually by moving ahead with a strategy of reducing the import of paddy”, reads the message.This Day is considered as a symbol of determination towards development and modernization of advanced agro system with a target of building a self-reliant and prosperous Nepal.
The day also encourage all Nepalis to make agro sector prosperous, production oriented and climate adaptation respecting skills, continuous labour and patience of farmers.
The Vice-President argued that adopting the climate-change, production oriented and inclusive agro system was needed by using indigenous varieties of paddy and improved technology.
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Chief Minister Singh promises improvement of citizens’ living standard through agriculture
Janakapurdham, June 29: Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh, has said the province government is committed to improving the living standard of the people of Madhesh through modernization of agriculture.
Extending his best wishes to the province citizens on the occasion of the National Paddy Day today, the Chief Minister promised to take measures for the modernization of agricultural sector.
As he said, the Madhesh has acknowledged agriculture as a backbone of economy and it has initiated a long-term campaign “Madhesh will feed the nation”. The campaign is themed “Production in the Madhesh: Expansion in the Country,” according to him.
The Chief Minister said the reduction in imports, promotion of exports with a focus on the growth of agro-products are the strategies of the province government.
According to him, “two rice crops promotion programme’ has been implemented in Madhesh to promote the rice production.
The improvement in soil fertility, self-reliance in irrigation, modernization of agriculture, and commercialization of agriculture are the top priorities of the government, he added.
As he said, the province government is committed to ensuring the sustainable development of rice cultivation by mitigating the impacts of climate change through the research, development, and promotion of climate-friendly technologies.
He further added the government is constantly working to improve the living standards of farmers by expanding advanced farming systems and ensuring easy access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities, wishing that “May National Rice Day inspire and unite us all in our shared commitment to achieving self-reliance in food security.”
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Minister Dahal stresses on regional collaboration for landlocked
countries’ access to sea
Kathmandu, June 29: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, emphasized the need for regional cooperation for the development of landlocked countries like Nepal.
Addressing the ‘Global Transport Connectivity Forum’ held in Istanbul, Turkey, he emphasized that landlocked countries should also establish access to the sea.
In his statement on the topic of ‘Strategic Opportunities for Regional Development through Landlocked to Landlinked Initiatives’ at the event, Minister Dahal expressed the view that if landlocked countries are successful in maintaining connectivity through transport infrastructure, they can also achieve access to the sea.
“All landlocked countries, including Nepal, need to engage in infrastructure development in collaboration with the international community,” Minister Dahal said and emphasized the need for regional cooperation to provide landlocked countries like Nepal with access to the sea through ‘connectivity’ (road networks and infrastructure).
The Transport Minister said it is necessary to focus on investing not only in roads, railways, and ports but also in collaboration, trust, and a shared vision for the development of landlocked countries into land-linked ones, according to Minister Dahal’s Secretariat.
During his address, he stated that priority has been given to the construction of strategic corridor connecting neighboring countries.
Referring to Nepal as a country vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes, Minister Dahal said that despite having varied geographical features such as mountains, hills, the Chure range, and the Terai, the risk remains high due to weak soil and mixed rock structures.
Minister Dahal stated that due to the rapid flow of the snow-fed rivers in the Himalayan regions, their speed in the hilly areas and the retention of that velocity even upon reaching the plains, Nepal suffers significant damage from floods and landslides every year.
Such geographical conditions and characteristics have posed challenges to the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure in Nepal, the Minister added.
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Lawmakers raise various contemporary issues in NA session today
Kathmandu, June 29: Members of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament have called for ensuring safe, orderly, and decent foreign employment. They also urged the government to address the growing threat of snakebites and to expedite the construction of physical infrastructure.
Speaking during zero hour in today’s NA session, Indira Devi Gautam of the CPN (UML) urged the government to curb fraudulent activities in the name of foreign employment. She raised issues such as lack of treatment and compensation for cases of injuries in the course of foreign employment, and difficulties in repatriating the bodies of workers who die abroad. Gautam stressed the need for stronger government intervention to ensure the safety and rights of Nepalis working overseas.
Tulasha Kumari Dahal voiced concerns over the rising number of snakebite cases in the Terai region. She urged the mass to adopt preventive measures and called on the government to ensure accessible and timely treatment for victims.
Maya Prasad Sharma of the CPN (Maoist Centre) expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in bridge construction along the Chhinchu-Jajarkot-Dolpa road, urging authorities to speed up the development process.
Sumitra BC of the CPN (UML) welcomed the improvement in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results and emphasized the need for increased investment in the education sector.
Meanwhile, two budget-related bills were tabled in the session. NA Secretary Surendra Aryal presented the Finance Bill, 2082 BS and the Bill to Raise Public Debt, 2082 BS, along with messages from the House of Representatives (HoR).
NA Chair Narayana Prasad Dahal informed the House about the reshuffling of members in thematic committees. NA member Narayan Kaji Shrestha has been transferred from the Legislation Management Committee to the Economic, Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, while Jhakku Prasad Subedi has been moved from the Development, Economic and Good Governance Committee to the Legislation Management Committee. The meeting endorsed these changes.
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PHC conducts hearing on two proposed justices
Kathmandu, June 29: The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has conducted hearing of two proposed justices of the Supreme Court today.
The Committee conducted the hearing of Senior Advocate Megh Raj Pokharel and Chief Judge of High Court Janakpur, Shreekanta Poudel.
Stating that there is a big gap between the theory and practical exercise, committee member Janardan Sharma shared the reality that development construction activities were affected while delivering decision by judiciary on the cases against the principle of separation of powers.
Similarly, another member Shyam Kumar Ghimire commented that a tendency of keeping the political cases aside has increased.
Likewise, committee members—Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal, Jag Prasad Sharma, Leela Shrestha and Sunita Baral raised various questions to the proposed justices.
They stressed that justices should present themselves strongly to maintain good governance in the judiciary.
A meeting of the Judicial Council held on June 13 had recommended Senior Advocate Pokharel, Judge Poudel and another Judge Shanti Singh Thapa for parliamentary hearing.
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HoR meeting: ‘Government should be accountable to the parliament’
Kathmandu, June 29: In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the MPs have emphasized that the government should be accountable to the parliament.
Seeking time in the meeting, MP Amanlal Modi of the CPN (Maoist Centre) said, “We MPs will raise public issues in the House during zero hour and special time, but the government has not responded to the issues raised in Parliament. I had drawn the government’s attention to the poor condition of the Postal Highway, but the government has not taken it seriously.”
Nepali Congress MP Dr. Chandra Bhandari said that the road from Ruru in Gulmi to the district headquarters Tamghas could not be improved due to a lack of policy decisions.
“This road is perilous. During the rainy season, there is a risk of landslides, and the problem of floods and landslides is increasing due to the lack of bridge construction in various places in Gulmi. I draw the government’s serious attention to this,” he said.
CPN (Maoist Centre) MP Ranendra Barali said, “Ajay Mahara, a youth from Siraha district, was found dead yesterday morning. It is the government’s responsibility to find the murderer, and I demand the government to conduct an immediate investigation and bring Mahara’s murderer to justice.”
Member of Parliament Prabhu Sah of the Aam Janata Party has demanded that the activities taking place in Gaushala of Pashupati area should be transparent.
Krisna Kumar Shrestha, a member of the CPN (Unified Socialist), drew the government’s attention, stating that the construction of a bridge over the Dudhara River on the road from Pathlaiya to Nijgadh on the East-West Highway, which has been stalled for about six years, has still not been constructed, causing great deal of inconvenience to the people.
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It is necessary to reduce arrears to maintain financial discipline: Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu, June 29: Emphasis has been laid that constitutional bodies, three-tier governments and public organisations should conduct regular audits and maintain financial discipline by reducing arrears.
Similarly, it was stressed that clearance of arrears should be kept in priority in order to maintain financial discipline.
At a programme organised here today on the occasion of 67th anniversary of the Office of the Auditor General, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, shared that the Office of the Auditor General has been playing significant role for frugality, efficiency and effectiveness in government bodies.
He also asked the bodies concerned to be more serious for the utilization of public means and resources and maintain financial discipline through audit.
“All bodies should conduct their performance responsibly, take necessary efforts for capacity building of employees and awareness, to maintain institutional good governance as well as suggestions of the Office of the Auditor Generals should be implemented effectively in order to reduce arrears,” Speaker Ghimire mentioned.
Similarly, President of Public Accounts Committee, Rishikesh Pokharel pointed out the need of maintaining discipline in the use of public resources.
He added, “The PAC alone could not resolve arrears problems. All concerned offices should be responsible for the same.”
Arrears audit, risk-based auditing, performance and special audits, environmental audit, IT audit, and auditing of organized institutions, are among the key focus areas of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). An annual audit calendar has been published to guide these activities.
According to the 62nd Annual Report (2082 BS) of the OAG, the total arrears of government offices and institutions at the federal, provincial, and local levels have exceeded Rs 733 billion. This represents a 9.45 percent increase in periodic arrears compared to the previous fiscal year.
In addition, arrears comprising additional audit arrears, revenue arrears, and recoverable foreign grants and loans amount to Rs 551 billion. This brings the total outstanding arrears to Rs 1.284 trillion.
On this occasion, Mahabharat Rural Municipality of Kavrepalanchok district was honored for successfully maintaining zero arrears.
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