PM stresses self-responsibility for individuals to compensate State for losses incurred

KATHMANDU, Feb 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has spoken of the need for putting in place a system requiring the very person responsible for causing damage or losses to the State to compensate for such damage or losses.

In a meeting to review the implementation of the current fiscal year's policies and programs of the government, and the budget here today, he stressed establishing a system to evaluate the extent of such damage or loss or harm that the nation suffers because of individuals and get it compensated from the same people.

"It is seen that the thinking that one would have to face action for carrying out one's responsibilities and would be spared of the same if not has been increasing in the bureaucracy in recent times. It is high time this mindset was seriously reviewed. It is necessary to be aware that the impact of such a mentality will ultimately be on our achievements and on the protection and development of the political system," the PM reminded.

According to him, the biggest challenge is the failure to take timely decisions, shifting responsibility for decisions and the tendency of not taking the required initiative for inter-agency coordination. He underscored the need for making dynamic decisions and taking up creative roles in accordance with the laws.

"I have been stressing again and again that no one should hesitate in taking decisions remaining within the parameters of the existing Acts and regulations. I am always committed to defend the decision made with good intentions by any public official and to provide protection to such officials. Therefore, be willing to fulfill a dynamic and creative role accordingly," the head of the government said.

Calling upon the high government officials to pursue immediate reform measures by identifying the causes and problems for not meeting the set targets, PM Dahal pressed for increasing the implementation capacity of the entire administrative machinery and for achieving the expected outcome in the set timeframe.

He directed the government officials to deliver public services to be provided to the general public in a prompt, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Stating that a satisfactory answer has not come so far to the question as to why the outcome could not be achieved according to the set target, the PM wondered for how long the tradition of sluggishness in carrying out works and shying away from responsibilities would continue in the bureaucracy.

"Results have not been coming due to the lack of harmony in policy and programs, budget and plans. The increasing tendency of government ministries and other agencies not to fulfill their duties as per the set annual goals and indicators, and of political and administrative leaderships hesitating to take decisions is not a positive message," the PM observed.

PM Dahal said the result of the progress review has made the government serious and it was a compulsion to change the traditional working style.

Stating that the targets set by the ministries have not been met, he said there is a doubt that the projection capacity, determination of priorities, resource mobilization and expenditure capacity to achieve desired results would remain weak.

"These targets were set by all ministries and the bodies concerned themselves. What are the reasons behind failing to achieve progress in implementation as per the targets despite determining the goals themselves?" PM Dahal questioned.

He pointed out the need for further collective efforts by the Finance Ministry, National Planning Commission and other ministries to increase capital expenditure as well as for smooth operation of development projects and programs.

The Prime Minister directed to carry out activities in order to achieve results bearing full responsibility for effective implementation of projects.

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