KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has emphasized the need to put an end to the recurring issue of requesting budgets annually but failing to utilize the allocated capital budget effectively.

During the 52nd meeting of the National Development Problem Resolution Committee held at Singha Durbar on Thursday, Prime Minister Dahal questioned the inadequate spending of the capital budget within the first six months of the current fiscal year, expressing concern over the government’s overall low capital expenditure.

He instructed all ministers and chief ministers to take charge of development and construction initiatives to ensure the full utilization of the available budget.

PM Dahal acknowledged the progress made by some ministries and national pride projects while urging all projects to deliver 100 percent results within the remaining timeframe.

The Prime Minister also commended the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multi-Purpose Project, Kaligandaki Corridor (Gaindakot-Ramdi Section), and Lumbini Area Development Trust for achieving over 80 percent physical progress. He directed these projects, along with others, to maintain momentum and deliver satisfactory outcomes.

Furthermore, PM Dahal stressed the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure timely completion of national pride, transformative, and priority projects.

He emphasized the need for objective and result-oriented monitoring, urging officials to implement feedback received through joint project monitoring conducted by the National Planning Commission.

PM Dahal also highlighted recent amendments made to project-related standards to enhance budget management and project efficiency.

He underscored the importance of preparing and implementing budgets to address infrastructure development imbalances and duplication at the provincial level.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers, government ministers, provincial chief ministers, NPC Vice Chairman Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, and secretaries of various ministries, among other officials.