President Paudel Receives 61st Auditor General's Report Highlighting Rs 1.18 Trillion in Government Arrears

Auditor General Toyam Raya presented the 61st report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to President Ram Chandra Paudel during a special ceremony held at the President's Office, Shitalniwas, on Sunday.

President Paudel expressed confidence in the OAG's ability to thoroughly investigate the utilization of government funds and properties, emphasizing the growing significance of the institution.

The report revealed that government arrears have soared to Rs 1.18 trillion, encompassing outstanding debts from government offices, institutional corporations, and provincial and local governments.

Specifically, the fiscal year 2079/80 saw arrears amounting to Rs 236 billion. The auditing highlighted that federal, provincial, and local government offices, along with corporations, are accountable for liabilities totaling Rs 669 billion, with an additional Rs 513 billion in revenue dues pending reimbursement after settling foreign grants and loans.

The accumulated arrears and outstanding dues stand at Rs 1.183 trillion. Notably, federal government offices account for Rs 342 billion, provincial government offices Rs 28.46 billion, and local government offices Rs 193 billion in the updated arrears.

President Paudel emphasized that the findings in the report will hold those in power accountable for economic procedures and financial responsibilities, ultimately enhancing transparency and accountability in public agencies and fostering good governance and the nation's image.