CHITWAN, May 29: In the report from the Office of the Auditor General for the fiscal year 2022/23, Bharatpur Metropolitan City has achieved the lowest arrear status among the six major metropolises. The report highlights a minimal arrear percentage of just 0.001 percent, amounting to only Rs 515,000 out of a total audited amount of Rs 8.5 billion.

Comparatively, other metropolises recorded higher arrear percentages: Kathmandu at 1.11 percent (Rs 257 million), Pokhara at 7.98 percent (Rs 792 million), Birgunj at 7.14 percent (Rs 579 million), Biratnagar at 1.03 percent (Rs 71 million), and Lalitpur at 0.46 percent (Rs 45.1 million).

Jagannath Aryal, head of the Economic Administration Division of Bharatpur metropolis, noted a significant reduction in arrears for the fiscal year 2022/23. Previously, Bharatpur's arrear rate was 0.08% in 2021/22 and 0.25% in 2020/21, excluding advances.

Renu Dahal, mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, attributed this achievement to strict adherence to laws, standards, and waste management protocols. Dahal said that dynamic, transparent, and clean leadership, along with an active audit committee, has played a crucial role in reducing arrears. The metropolis is committed to a campaign aimed at achieving zero arrears.

Deputy Mayor Chitrashen Adhikari highlighted the city's focus on good governance and rapid service delivery. Adhikari said that prudent spending, adherence to legal frameworks, and a robust internal control system have contributed to reducing corruption and ensuring efficient development.It has been stated that the metropolis has created a strong monitoring mechanism and has fully complied with the legal framework and standard procedure.

 
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