KATHMANDU: The Bagmati Province Government has reported dismal spending figures, utilizing only 12 percent of its allocated budget in the first five months of the current fiscal year 2024-25.
According to Suraj Poudel, Information Officer at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, the province had set a budget of Rs 64.54 billion for the fiscal year.
However, as of the end of Mangsir (December 15), expenditures totaled only Rs 7.37 billion. Of this, the capital expenditure was notably lower compared to current expenditures.
Among provincial bodies, the Office of the Chief Justice of the Province recorded the highest spending at 36.22 percent of its allocated budget. The Provincial Assembly Secretariat followed with 23.90 percent. In stark contrast, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Cooperatives spent the least, with just 2.57 percent of its budget utilized.
Poudel attributed the low spending figures to delays in implementing plans, many of which only began in October. He also noted that current expenditure, which typically outpaces capital expenditure in the early months of the fiscal year, has been unusually low this time around.
“Historically, current expenditures are higher in the first quarter, but this year we’ve observed delays in plan implementation, affecting overall spending,” Poudel said.
The sluggish spending raises concerns about the government’s ability to achieve its development goals and effectively utilize public funds.
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