KATHMANDU, Jan 20: The government has put forward various schemes to reduce recurrent expenditure in the current financial year. The Ministry of Finance has made some points public by issuing the 'Recurrent Expenditure Reduction Standards, 2079'.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Paudel has put forward this standard as it is mentioned that the budget will be implemented by reducing the current administrative expenses of government agencies by at least 15 percent in point No 379 of the current year's budget statement.
According to the standards of the Ministry of Finance, domestic and foreign visits other than the essential ones will be discouraged. Similarly, during the servicing of two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles, the engine oil and lubricant will be changed only if necessary.
Nepal’s recurrent expenditure exceeds Rs 1.225 trillion
Except for very necessary items, which are rarely used, stocks will not be kept, budget books or other books printed regularly by the ministry will be reduced and placed on the website.
Similarly, in order to reduce expenses, seminars and training will not be held except for the most necessary ones. If necessary, the offices of the ministry or the buildings of government agencies will be used.
Even if the approved programs are not reviewed, it is arranged to postpone the current program, not to give the facilities given for working overtime during the budget preparation, if it has to be given, only 50 percent will be given.
Not using ACs, heaters and fans unless urgent need, discouraging use of bottled water, refilling the toner and cartridge used in the office instead of buying new ones, not working on contracts and wages other than what is included in the approved post and program and arranging meetings within office hours have been made in the standard.
The Ministry expects this to be a positive start.
