KATHMANDU, July 18: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has stepped up efforts to tighten the noose on unproductive expenditure being made on purchase of new vehicles by the government offices.
In this regard, the MoF has asked the government bodies concerned to auction their non-operating vehicles. Likewise, the apex financial authority of the federal government, has also directed the government offices to take prior approval of the MoF to purchase new vehicles.
Issuing a 73-point guidelines for implementation of the budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, the MoF has come up with the directives. “If the old vehicles cannot be brought into operation even after maintenance, they should be auctioned off within six months,” read the MoF issued guidelines.
Similarly, the MoF has discouraged the purchase of new vehicles. New vehicles can be purchased only if it is deemed urgent. It can be done only by taking prior approval of the MoF, the guidelines state.
Mostly, the government offices are found tempted to buy new cars instead of repairing old ones because of their greed for commission. Many vehicles bought by taxpayer’s money have remained parked on government premises for years without repairs. A large number of such vehicles are seen stranded within the premises of Singh Durbar, the main administrative block of the federal government.
Meanwhile, the MoF has also barred the bureaucrats from taking motivation allowance and extra hour work allowance. While conducting programs like seminars, workshops and interactions, the government offices will have to use their own meeting halls.