Officials should be held accountable for negligence: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar.1: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stressed the need for instituting a compensation system whereby individuals are held accountable for instances where the state suffers damage due to their negligence in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Speaking at the current fiscal year’s policy, programme, and budget implementation review meeting on Thursday, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to assess potential losses suffered by the country due to indecision and neglect of responsible individuals.

“Recently, there appears to be a growing trend where individuals may face consequences for their actions within the administrative system, but escape accountability for inaction,” said PM Prachanda. “It is imperative to seriously review this approach. The ultimate focus should be on safeguarding and advancing our achievements and political system,” he added.

Identifying the procrastination in decision-making, delays, and lack of proactive coordination among agencies as significant challenges, Prime Minister Prachanda stressed the importance of adaptability and innovation within the framework of existing regulations.

“I have consistently emphasised the importance of making decisions promptly within the parameters of existing laws and regulations,” said PM Prachanda. “Thus, it is crucial to be prepared to play a dynamic and innovative role accordingly,” he added.

Prime Minister Prachanda underscored the need to promptly identify the reasons behind unmet targets and immediately initiate corrective measures. He directed that public services be delivered to citizens efficiently, maintaining high standards and cost-effectiveness.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the failure to achieve set objectives, Prime Minister Prachanda mentioned the recurring issues such as budget constraints, lack of preparation, manpower shortage and legal hurdles that impede progress.

“There appears to be a discrepancy arity between policy, programmes and budget allocations,” said PM Prachanda.

Assessing the performance levels of ministries, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for a serious overhaul of the traditional approach to work.

Acknowledging that the goals set by ministries and agencies remain unfulfilled, the Prime Minister expressed concerns over the persistent weaknesses in selecting projects, prioritising, resource mobilisation, and expenditure management, hampering the desired outcomes.

“These goals are set internally by ministries and agencies. We must critically examine why we fall short despite setting our targets,” said PM Prachanda. “A thorough review of plans, programmes, budget allocations, and their execution is imperative to break away from the tradition,” he added.

Prime Minister Prachanda called for enhanced collaboration among the Ministry of Finance, the National Planning Commission, and relevant ministries to boost capital expenditure and ensure the smooth execution of development projects and programmes. He assumed full responsibility for the effective implementation of subordinate projects and urged for actions to yield tangible results.