KATHMANDU, Nov 14: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has proposed holding consumer committees and tole sudhar samitis accountable for local-level development projects.

In its 33rd report submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel on October 2, the CIAA highlighted the need for a monitoring mechanism to oversee plans and programs implemented by consumer committees and tole sudhar samitis.

The CIAA's suggestion outlines, "To ensure that plans and programs conducted through consumer committees and tole sudhar samitis adhere to rules, a committee formation procedure should be established, and committee office-bearers should be held accountable and responsible."

The CIAA has received complaints about workers not receiving wages and facing deception in projects managed by consumer committees. The authority has mandated the compulsory payment of wages and salaries through the banking system.

Additionally, the CIAA has recommended the formulation of regulations covering aspects such as cost estimation, specification, and approval of variations for procurement and contracts at the local level. The authority has emphasized following proper procedures when altering contract amounts (variations) and urged the government to establish clear procedures for the selection, implementation, and monitoring of plans.

CIAA officials have raised concerns about the practice of exceeding the approved organizational structure and posts at the local level, advising against creating unnecessary positions like personal assistants and advisors.

Regarding public schools, the CIAA suggests developing an integrated software system for their accounting system and insists that final audits should be conducted only through government mechanisms. The authority discourages budget allocations directly into school accounts, urging adherence to established processes in school construction.

The CIAA has questioned the increasing trend of constructing scaffolding/view towers at the local level, recommending careful analysis of necessity, needs, and cost benefits with input from subject experts before undertaking such projects.

Through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the CIAA has directed local governments to control expenses such as meetings and fuel. The authority also urges the government to evaluate environmental tests for contracts involving river products and revenue collection, emphasizing competitive bidding. The annual report concludes by cautioning against unnecessary tax/revenue exemptions without justification.

 
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