KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has directed the subordinate bodies to expedite the implementation of budget and programmes, saying that the financial progress of the ministry has been relatively low even after two and a half months of the beginning of the current fiscal year.

In a review meeting held at the Ministry on Wednesday, Minister Shrestha said that the program should be implemented in a planned manner from the beginning by ending the traditional style of spending the budget only in the last part of the fiscal year. He directed to move ahead by making a clear work schedule for the implementation of the budget and to implement the projects by calling for contracts and signing agreements within the stipulated time.

“The system and not the individual should create an environment where they can work,” Minister Shrestha said, adding, “It is not enough just to make a decision, but the ministry and its subordinate bodies should pay attention to its effective implementation.” ’

He said that not only misusing authority to commit financial irregularities but also not fulfilling one’s responsibilities and obligations on time is also a matter of accountability. He stressed that along with the political leadership, the bureaucracy should also work accountable to the people.

Stressing the need of effective coordination among the Ministry, Department and subordinate bodies, Minister Shrestha directed the concerned bodies to prepare future political line and strategy by reviewing the activities carried out in around six months of the formation of the government.

He said that punishments and fines should be provided at the necessary places to make good governance and governance reform effective. Stating that the government has been focused on dealing with the disaster in the last one month, he said that now creative and innovative works should be given priority as per the expectations of the people.

“Destiny is trying to bring us back to the old place when development is trying to gain momentum,” he said, adding, “We need to work on a recovery plan to recover the damage and take forward the development.” ’

Newly-appointed secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr Jagadishwor Karmacharya, stressed the need of mobilizing all the ministries and mechanisms for the implementation of projects.

Stating that the capital expenditure of the ministry was low, he said that the concerned divisions and agencies should be made active to improve the financial progress in the coming days. During the review, the progress of policy and legal works carried out by the ministry in the current fiscal year was also presented. It was informed that two bills related to water resources and renewable energy were presented in the cabinet, legal opinions were given on 76 different issues and action was taken on 12 issues related to fines.

Likewise, the meeting shared that the draft of the concept regarding formation of Budhigandaki Development Authority was prepared, the draft of electricity regulation and power trade regulations was forwarded, preparation of energy bill and a draft of electricity and energy policy were prepared.

Likewise, preparations to issue letter of intent (LoI) to the private sector in electricity trade, study related to the safety of tunnel and underground structures and internal preparations being made for the private sector’s participation in the construction and operation of transmission lines were also presented.