Kathmandu: It is essential to reduce arrears to uphold financial discipline, emphasized Speaker Devraj Ghimire. Constitutional bodies, three-tier governments, and public organizations have been urged to conduct regular audits and prioritize the reduction of arrears to maintain financial discipline.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Speaker Ghimire, speaking at a program marking the 67th anniversary of the Office of the Auditor General, highlighted the significant role of the Office in promoting frugality, efficiency, and effectiveness within government bodies. He urged the relevant bodies to take their responsibilities seriously, utilize public resources judiciously, and adhere to audit recommendations to ensure financial discipline.
Furthermore, Rishikesh Pokharel, President of the Public Accounts Committee, underscored the necessity of maintaining discipline in the use of public resources. He noted that the committee alone could not resolve the arrears issue, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all concerned offices.
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has identified key focus areas, including arrears audit, risk-based auditing, performance and special audits, environmental audit, IT audit, and auditing of organized institutions. An annual audit calendar has been published to guide these activities.
According to the 62nd Annual Report (2082 BS) of the OAG, total arrears of government offices and institutions at all levels have surpassed Rs 733 billion, marking a 9.45 percent increase in periodic arrears compared to the previous fiscal year. Additional audit arrears, revenue arrears, and recoverable foreign grants and loans total Rs 551 billion, bringing the total outstanding arrears to Rs 1.284 trillion.
In recognition of effective financial management, Mahabharat Rural Municipality of Kavrepalanchok district was honored for achieving zero arrears.