KATHMANDU: National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chair Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari has announced that the NPC will actively monitor the implementation of Nepal’s budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, with a focus on regulation, supervision, and facilitation.
Speaking at a joint event organized by the Society of Infrastructure Journalists and the Federation of Contractors, Adhikari said the commission will carry out rigorous monitoring and supervision.
“The Planning Commission will monitor and supervise in an uncompromising manner,” he said. “If someone acts in bad faith, they will be dealt with harshly. However, creating laws by assuming everyone is corrupt is a flawed approach.”
Clarifying the role of the commission post-budget, Adhikari said the NPC will act as a catalyst to facilitate project implementation, beyond its usual planning role.
Identifying infrastructure as a key driver of both economic growth and development, he criticized the current implementation framework, saying, “The existing infrastructure development model is such that projects are rarely completed on time. The current capital expenditure pattern across development ministries is unsatisfactory.”
Although there is often talk about learning from past mistakes, in practice, old habits persist, he noted. However, he praised this year’s effort during the budget preparation phase for bringing in a more realistic budget.
“The decision not to include federal-level projects with costs under NPR 30 million is a good starting point,” he said.
Adhikari stressed the need for legal reforms to support smooth implementation rather than hinder it.
“We shouldn’t frame laws under the assumption that everyone is corrupt. Such a mindset creates unnecessary obstacles in execution,” he said.
He also highlighted that all ministries must operate under the new budget model introduced this year, and that the Planning Commission has already begun initiatives to support this transition.
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