Kathmandu: Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal, accompanied by secretaries from various ministries, constitutional commissions, and agencies, has urged the exploration of alternative solutions for settling arrears, emphasizing that clearing dues predating the implementation of federalism is not feasible. This stance was highlighted during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the House of Representatives, where discussions with accountable officers regarding the arrears settlement status took place.
According to National News Agency Nepal, secretaries advocated for alternative measures, arguing that federal ministries are burdened by arrears from agencies despite the dissolution of several structures and the delegation of responsibilities to the local level following federalism’s implementation. Audit General Toyam Raya and Chief Secretary Aryal expressed that irregular arrears, excluding those incurred before the constitution’s implementation, cannot be settled.
Chief Secretary Aryal noted, “The previous structure of District Development Committee has been scrapped. There is no information where and how their files are kept. But, their arrears are maintained at federal ministry. Arrears which are to be settled however should not be left. The theoretical arrears need to be cornered through a decision.” He further explained that practical settlement of these arrears is not feasible, and separate decisions are needed for their settlement, especially those dating back before the 2015 constitution promulgation.
Auditor General Toyam Raya supported Aryal’s view, stating that the bureaucracy is unable to address arrears from audits before 2015. Raya remarked, “After listening to the Chief Secretary and Secretaries, it sounds convincing for me as well to dismiss the irregular arrears prior to the 2015. There is no clarity whether or not the documents of the offices transferred to the local level are kept at province and local levels.”
The PAC has requested a 13-point action plan from all line ministries, constitutional commissions, and agencies to provide details on the arrears status and the measures being undertaken to resolve them. The 62nd Annual Report-2082 from the Office of the Auditor General has highlighted arrears amounting to approximately Rs 733 billion 191 million, determined after auditing federal, provincial, local government offices, and institutions.