Energy Ministry Records Mere 3.08 Percent Financial Progress in over Two Months

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) has recorded financial progress of just 3.08 percent during the first two and a half months of the current fiscal year, raising concerns over the slow implementation of its budget and programs.

A review meeting of the ministry held on Wednesday highlighted the sluggish progress between mid-July and the end of September. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha directed the ministry’s subordinate bodies to accelerate budget implementation and improve the pace of project execution.

Shrestha urged officials to move away from the traditional practice of rushing budget spending toward the end of the fiscal year. He called for programs to be implemented systematically from the beginning of the fiscal year, with clear schedules for budget execution, timely tendering, and prompt signing of contracts.

“We must create an environment where the system works, not just individuals,” Shrestha said, stressing that effective implementation should accompany policy decisions.

The minister also expressed dissatisfaction over delays in meeting deadlines. He said both the administrative machinery and political leadership must remain accountable to the public. According to Shrestha, accountability extends beyond financial irregularities to include failures to fulfill assigned responsibilities and obligations on time.

The meeting also emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the ministry, its departments, and subordinate agencies. Officials were instructed to review the work carried out during the approximately six months since the government was formed and develop a clear strategy for the months ahead.

Shrestha further proposed using penalties and fines where necessary to strengthen good governance and administrative discipline. He also called for a recovery plan to address setbacks and accelerate development activities.

Meanwhile, the meeting reviewed progress on policy and legal matters during the current fiscal year. The ministry reported that two bills—one related to water resources and another concerning renewable energy—had been submitted to the Council of Ministers. Legal opinions were also provided on 76 issues, while penalty-related action was taken in 12 cases.