They claimed that the ministry, in connivance with some members of National Planning Commission, are trying to misuse the budget. [break]
The associations have claimed that while all works related to the development of the main strategy is in limbo, the ministry is developing another multi-stakeholder program for 10 year to exhaust the budget. The new program is being developed under the chairmanship of the forest secretary. Multi-stakeholder program is usually developed for three years at a time.
Issuing a press statement on Saturday, the associations claimed that most part of the budget is being exhausted in the name of consultancy by some NPC members.
Stating that corruption in forest sector is more at the policy level, the associations have said that the ministry has secretly formed a program design team and write-up team that too during a time of political instability in the country.
They have said that the ministry must consult the stakeholders and experts concerned at once and make the process transparent.
DfID and SDC have together committed the budget for the plan.
Asked to comment, Forest Secretary Ramesh Bhusal said, “The program is being developed after the donors sought it.” He said that the stakeholders will be consulted as it is just a beginning.
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