KATHMANDU: The government’s arrears increased by 14.05 percent in last fiscal year. 

The 61st annual report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) highlights a concerning trend of increasing distortions in government spending. Released on Sunday, the report reveals a continued disregard for rules in utilizing government resources.

As of mid-July 2023, the government's arrears have soared to over Rs 669.86 billion. The 61st report of the Auditor General indicates a staggering increase of Rs 95.60 billion in arrears during the fiscal year 2022/23.

Auditor General Toyam Raya presented the 61st report to President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday. The Office of Auditor General (OAG) audited a total of Rs 7,881.60 billion in FY 2022/23. The report delineates that arrears under federal government offices amounted to Rs 46.53 billion, with provincial offices accounting for Rs 6.57 billion, and local levels for Rs 31.02 billion. Additionally, other government agencies' arrears reached Rs 11.48 billion.

The 61st report of the Auditor General also reveals that 3,277 government offices under the federal government were audited in FY 2022/23. Among federal ministries, the Finance Ministry exhibits the highest arrears, totaling Rs 25.47 billion, as per the OAG's findings. Following closely behind is the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, with arrears amounting to Rs 12.09 billion.