Lumbini Province reports just 22 per cent capital expenditure

LUMBINI, FEBRUARY 20: The Lumbini Province government has spent 24.91% of its total budget in the current fiscal year so far. Of the allocated Rs 38.97 billion, Rs 24.58 billion was designated for capital expenditure and Rs 11.24 billion for current expenditure.

According to a half-yearly review conducted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, as of February 15, capital expenditure stands at 22.83%, while current expenditure has reached 28.47%.

During the review meeting held at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya instructed subordinate bodies to prioritize the implementation and disbursement of the capital budget. He emphasized the need for more effective spending to counter criticism regarding low capital expenditure.

"If the month of Baisakh could be designated for final payments, many challenges would be resolved," Acharya said, adding that Lumbini Province currently leads in capital expenditure compared to other provinces.