Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has raised questions with secretaries of ministries about the critical situation of development expenditure in the current fiscal year.
Giving 30-point directive at Singha Durbar, in Kathmandu, on Tuesday, the prime minister sought reasons for development budget not being spent, as aimed even though half of the fiscal year has passed.
The country's development expenditure stands at just 11 percent so far.
"What are the reasons for not being able to spend on development? Who is responsible for this?" he questioned secretaries, "When are we going to find out the causes of this situation and resolve the issue?"
"Weaknesses to execute fiscal plans and policies can no longer be ignored. If there are problems at the policy level, bring fact-based proposals for reforms," PM Prachanda told secretaries.
The prime minister pointed out that the fiscal administration would be in jeopardy as on the one hand, revenue targets were not being met and capital expenditure not being spent in line with plans and policies, and on the other, proper documentation of spend budget was not available.
He instructed secretaries to be sensitive on this matter.
He directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to investigate the budget allocated and expenses made so far in major projects while also furnishing recommendation to speed up physical progress in development projects.
He told that if the money allocated for the development project could not be spent, then it could be transferred to other areas in need of more budget. He added officials shouldering responsibility but not being able to deliver on revenue collection and development works would undergo performance evaluation.
The prime minister also raised the issue of insufficient efforts to improve the quality of public education and lack of manpower in the education sector.
