Expenditure on national pride projects stands at mere 25.70 percent

KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 7: The progress on the national pride projects, which are meant to enhance public service delivery and stimulate economic growth through infrastructure development, is strictly dismal. Despite the government's allocation of necessary resources and funding, the expected advancements have, so far, not been achieved.

Among the 27 national pride projects, a budget of Rs. 66.75 billion was allocated for 19 projects in the current fiscal year. Till the first six months of the current fiscal, only Rs. 17.15 billion had been spent, reflecting an expenditure rate of 25.70% during the review period.

Initially, in the fiscal year 2011/12, the government identified 17 national pride projects. Over time, based on necessity and feasibility, additional projects were incorporated, increasing the total to 27. So far, 19 projects have remained under implementation, excluding those that have been completed or have yet to commence.

For the last fiscal (2023/24), a net budget of Rs. 60.38 billion was allocated for national pride projects. Of this, Rs. 54.24 billion has been utilized, resulting in a financial progress rate of 89.82% and a physical progress rate of 57.50%, according to the Ministry of Finance.