KATHMANDU: The government has significantly accelerated capital spending in the final month of the current fiscal year, reviving the long-criticised trend of heavy year-end expenditure, according to the Office of the Financial Comptroller General (OFCG).
Data released by the OFCG shows that the government spent Rs 163.17 billion under the capital expenditure heading by Asar 24 (July 8), up from Rs 132.67 billion recorded by the end of Jestha (June 14).
This means the government spent an additional Rs 30.51 billion in just 24 days, averaging Rs 1.27 billion in capital expenditure per day during the period.
In comparison, the government’s average daily capital spending throughout the fiscal year until Asar 24 stood at Rs 457 million, highlighting a sharp spike in spending during the final month.
Overall government expenditure also rose substantially over the same period. Total spending reached Rs 1.53 trillion by Asar 24, compared to Rs 1.35 trillion at the end of Jestha, an increase of Rs 185.32 billion in 24 days.
Government revenue also increased during the period. Total revenue collection climbed from Rs 1.11 trillion at the end of Jestha to Rs 1.19 trillion by Asar 24, marking an increase of Rs 81.04 billion.
According to the OFCG, the government had achieved 79.33 percent of its annual tax revenue target and 51.73 percent of its foreign grant target by Asar 24.
The government had announced a Rs 1.964 trillion budget for the current fiscal year.
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