Sudurpaschim budget probe stalled as Government’s commitment comes under scrutiny

Dhangadhi: The Sudurpaschim Provincial Government, which had agreed to conduct a parliamentary investigation into alleged budget irregularities and introduce a supplementary budget, now appears to be backtracking on its own decision.

The government’s apparent reluctance to implement a decision unanimously reached by the Provincial Assembly and supported by the Provincial Cabinet has raised suspicions that it is attempting to suppress serious questions surrounding the budget. The decision to form an investigative committee followed allegations of intermediaries’ influence, kickbacks, and the selection of projects based on personal connections rather than merit. However, considerable time has passed, and the committee has yet to be formed.

The continued delay in establishing the committee, even as the deadline for submitting its investigation report approaches, has cast doubt on the government’s commitment to the process.

On Ashoj 27 (October 13), Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari announced the formation of a seven-member parliamentary investigative committee with representation from political parties. According to Speaker Bhandari, the Provincial Cabinet’s decision was communicated during the Provincial Assembly session. The committee was tasked with submitting its report by Kartik 20 (November 5).

However, the process of forming the committee remains incomplete. Meanwhile, Minister for Economic Affairs Chakra Bahadur Malla has reportedly distanced himself from the issue, suggesting that the proposal to investigate the alleged budget irregularities did not originate from the government.

His current position contrasts with his stance on Ashoj 27, when the budget was passed. At the time, Minister Malla said he did not know how the budget had been formulated in such a manner and called for an investigation himself. He remarked that although he had intended to turn the budget into a “milk pond,” it had ended up becoming a “water pond.”