Energy Ministry enforces 'contingency expenditure work procedure'

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 18: The government has implemented the 'Contingency Expenditure Work Procedure, 2081' to manage temporary human resources needed for monitoring, supervision, operations, and consulting services related to construction projects. Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, yesterday enforced it through a ministerial decision.

A taskforce led by Indira Dahal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry, prepared the work procedure. The taskforce members included Muna Sharma, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs; Bishnudev Yadav, Under-Secretary at the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation; Subarna Khanal, Under-Secretary at the Department of Power Development; and Nirajan Sapkota, Under-Secretary at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Khimananda Gyawali, Undersecretary at the Law and Decision Implementation Section of the Ministry of Energy, served as the member secretary.

The task force’s report formed the basis for implementing the new work procedure. It aims to simplify expenses related to dispute resolution, incentives, research, studies, and consultation, as well as the management of necessary office human resources. Additionally, the procedure is designed to facilitate tasks such as bid preparation for construction projects, publishing information, and covering operational costs, including fuel, stationery, furniture, utilities, vehicle procurement or rental, and maintenance.

To ensure effective supervision and monitoring of construction activities, consultancy, goods procurement, and equipment installation, the office can allocate up to 25 percent of the contingency budget for purchasing vehicles, tools, and equipment. With approval from the Ministry of Finance, departments can acquire necessary vehicles using this fund.

The procedure emphasizes cost estimation that considers the geographical characteristics of the project site, related initiatives in the vicinity, project complexity and workload, supervisor qualifications, and the technical capacity and availability of human resources. The Ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to improve the efficiency and expedite the progress of construction projects under its jurisdiction.