Kathmandu: Office of the Auditor General has urged the government to formulate annual plans, budgets, and programs in line with the country’s long-term national vision and development goals set for 2100 BS.
The recommendation was made in the Auditor General’s 63rd annual report, which stressed the need to align periodic planning and sustainable development goals with the government’s broader long-term strategy.
“The federal, provincial, and local governments should internalize the Sustainable Development Goals while preparing and implementing annual plans, budgets, and programs that are aligned with the priorities set by the Long-Term Vision 2100 and the Sixteenth Plan,” the report states. “To achieve the prosperity and inclusive development envisioned in the Long-Term Vision 2100, an institutional framework for policy coordination, resource sharing, and collaboration among the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations should be established.”
The report also emphasized the need to develop an integrated and technology-friendly information system for collecting, managing, and analyzing data needed to measure progress under the Sixteenth Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the Auditor General, effective implementation of disaggregated data recording systems is necessary to improve monitoring and evaluation of development outcomes.
The report further recommended that project selection and budget allocation be based on proper cost-benefit analysis, internal rate of return assessments, and realistic evaluations of available resources before projects are included in the national project bank.
The Auditor General also criticized the practice of awarding contracts before completing essential preparatory work, stating that such practices contribute to cost overruns and project delays.
“Detailed project reports, land acquisition, and other preparatory tasks should be completed before initiating procurement processes,” the report stated. “There must also be consistency between project implementation schedules and budget allocations.”
In addition, the report highlighted the frequent transfer and replacement of project chiefs and technical personnel as a major obstacle to effective project execution. It urged the government to ensure greater stability and continuity in project management teams.
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