June 27: The National Concern and Coordination Committee of the National Assembly held a discussion on the government’s auditing process, arrears, problems, challenges and the implementation status of the report of the Office of the Auditor General.    
Committee Chairperson Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa said that they discussed the reasons behind the growing arrears and measures to be taken for correction.

"Fiscal disciple is essential to reduce arrears," she said, adding that issues such as policy and structural reforms, human workforce management, use of new policy, effective implementation of new technology were zeroed in during the meeting held with the officials of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).    
The committee is preparing to issue a directive to the bodies for reform after garnering suggestions in this regard, said Thapa.    
Lawmakers said the culture of seeking commission by the government employees, frequent transfer, and huge amount released early as remuneration were some of the reasons behind the rise in arrears. Lawmaker Kumar Dasaudi blamed the government that it spends huge amount of budget at the end of fiscal year.    
The lawmakers also sought suggestions from the OAG on how the existing legal arrangement could address the problems of arrears.

On the occasion, Acting Auditor General Ram Maya Kunwar stressed the need for reform from the local level. -- RSS