According to the Auditor General’s Report, 1999, the Finance Ministry is involved in irregularities even in the grant assistance provided by other countries. This has caused the debt burden of Rs. 9 thousand 650 on the head of every Nepali.

The reports from 1994 to 1999 show that the government arrears have been increasing every year. In 1998, the arrears were about Rs 6.8 billion 8. In 1999, the amount has increased to more than Rs. 22 billion. The main reason behind this is the malpractice and commission in the funding provided by the donor countries.

Among the ministries, the Finance Ministry is ranked number one in terms of the arrears which is Rs. 1.32 billion. The Water Resource Ministry ranks second with the arrears of Rs. 720 million, and the Local Development Ministry ranks third position with Rs. 490 million arrears.

(Naya Current, Tuesday, September 14)