Kathmandu. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has sought clarification from 23 local levels for not presenting their annual policy, programme and budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 BS within the stipulated time.

The letter has directed the rural municipalities and municipalities to send details within three days explaining the status of the budget formulation process and the reasons for the delay.

The letter states that the local level should approve the revenue and expenditure (budget) of the coming fiscal year by June 26 and submit it to the assembly by mid-July as per the Local Government Operation Act-2074 BS and Intergovernmental Finance Management Act-2074 BS.

The Ministry has said that it has sought clarification as some local levels have not yet submitted the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 on the basis of the details entered in its portal and the reports received.

The letter has also asked the Ministry to inform the Ministry within three days from the date of receipt of the letter, specifying the stage of budget formulation process and the reasons for not being able to present the budget within the stipulated time.

Besides, the Ministry has been requested to provide the upcoming schedule of the local level assembly to the Ministry to facilitate the passage of the budget by mid-July.

The Ministry has stated that the initiative has been taken to ensure the full implementation of the legal provisions by completing the budget formulation process at the local level on time.