Energy Minister Urges Effective Budget Implementation by Nepal Electricity Authority

Kathmandu. Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has suggested the acting executive director and deputy executive directors of the Nepal Electricity Authority to prepare clear action plans and immediately start implementation for the effective implementation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Addressing a discussion held at the Authority, Minister Shrestha emphasized the need to complete the projects and programs included in the budget within the stipulated time frame, stating that the ministry will take necessary initiatives to resolve policy and administrative obstacles seen during implementation. He expressed the view that the Authority's management should lead the implementation.

Mentioning that the government has allocated sufficient budget for the upcoming fiscal year, prioritizing the construction of structures including transmission lines and substations, Minister Shrestha suggested mobilizing subordinate bodies with an action plan to complete the projects within the specified time.

Minister Shrestha urged the Authority's officials to make maximum use of their long experience, expertise, and capabilities, emphasizing that concrete proposals for solutions, not just problem identification, should come from the management level.

"This time, the Authority has received the budget as requested. Now, its effective implementation, improvement in service delivery, and ensuring quality and sustainable electricity supply are the responsibilities of the Authority itself," he said.

He stated that the Authority should focus on socially responsible activities as well as profitable investments, and expressed the view that clear conclusions should be reached regarding priority projects for the coming years.

During the discussion, Minister Shrestha suggested that the Authority should regularly take up the issue of electricity tariff arrears collection as an agenda item. He advised to regularly monitor the issue from its inception and bring it to a conclusion. He urged the deputy executive directors to confidently present suggestions and proposals on strengthening institutional good governance, making performance results-oriented, and selecting and advancing priority projects.

"My focus is on how to move forward now, rather than debating what happened or why it didn't happen in the past," said Minister Shrestha. During the discussion, the deputy executive directors presented the progress reports of the projects and programs under their respective responsibilities and provided information about the upcoming action plans. They also informed that preparations are underway to submit a detailed action plan to the board of directors by Asar 15 to systematize budget implementation.