KATHMANDU, Oct 1: The financial progress of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) stood at only 3.08 percent in the first two and a half months of the current Fiscal Year (FY).
A review meeting of the MoEWRI held on Wednesday pointed out the slow progress of the ministry during the period between mid-July and the end of September this year. Citing the dismal progress in the segment, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha directed subordinate bodies to accelerate the implementation of the budget and programs.
Minister Shrestha emphasized the need to abandon the traditional practice of spending the budget only at the end of the fiscal year and instead implement programs systematically from the very beginning. He instructed officials to proceed with a clear schedule for budget implementation and to ensure that project execution moves forward through timely contract tendering and agreement signing.
Govt's performance dismal: NC
"We must create an environment where the system works, not just individuals," Minister Shrestha said. "Merely making a decision is not enough; the ministry and its subordinate bodies must also focus on effective implementation."
Minister Shrestha expressed his dissatisfaction over the failure of the authorities concerned to meet deadlines. He emphasized that the administrative machinery, alongside political leadership, must work with a sense of accountability toward the public. "The abuse of authority is not limited to financial irregularities; failing to fulfill one's responsibilities and obligations on time is also a matter of accountability," Shrestha added.
Highlighting the need for effective coordination among the ministry, departments, and subordinate bodies, Minister Shrestha directed officials to review the work accomplished during the approximately six months since the government's formation and to determine the future course of action and strategy.
Minister Shrestha suggested that provisions for penalties and fines should be implemented where necessary to ensure good governance and administrative reform. He stressed the need to formulate a recovery plan to address the damage and push development forward.
The review meeting also highlighted the progress made on policy and legal matters during the current fiscal year. It was reported that two bills—one regarding water resources and another on renewable energy—were submitted to the Council of Ministers; legal opinions were provided on 76 different issues; and penalty-related actions were taken in 12 cases.
