Repeating Arrears Of The Same Nature A Matter Of Concern: Speaker Aryal

Kathmandu, June 29: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has said that Nepal's audit management system needs to be updated in the context of the rapid increase in the use of modern information technology, data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Addressing the 68th anniversary celebration of the Office of the Auditor General here today, he expressed confidence that the Office would pay special attention to the effective use of computer-aided audit tools, human resource development and institutional capacity building.

Speaker Aryal stated that repeating arrears of the same nature every year is a matter of concern from the point of view of financial discipline and good governance. “Timely settlement of the identified arrears, necessary audits, and improvement in financial management in a way that prevents future irregularities are the shared responsibility and liability of all three levels of government, accounting officers, and concerned officials,” he said.

Speaker Aryal stated that all state bodies and citizens have high expectations of the Office of the Auditor General as it independently evaluates the receipt, mobilization, and utilization of public resources and points out areas for improvement.

Appreciating the fact that the audits of about six thousand bodies and offices are being completed on time every year, the Speaker expressed the view that the provision of presenting audit reports in accordance with the same provision at the provincial and local levels has further strengthened public accountability.

He noted that the anniversary is also an important opportunity to recall the common commitment towards public financial governance, transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline.

On the occasion, Auditor General Toyam Raya informed that various reform efforts have been initiated to maintain financial discipline and make audit work more qualitative, transparent and accountable.

Continuous education and thematic training have been conducted internally to increase the professional competence of employees and collaboration was also done with international organizations for the same. He mentioned that reports with opinions have been made public through the Nepal Audit Management System to federal and provincial ministries and local levels.

At the program, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, said that the parliamentary committee would provide full support for the settlement of arrears. He mentioned that the committee would make a work schedule and discuss it and provide necessary facilitation for the settlement.

Meanwhile, three local levels without arrears in the audit were honoured on the occasion of the OAG's anniversary.

Kanchha Lal Jimba, Chair of Mahabharat Rural Municipality in Kavrepalanchok, Bagmati Province; Ishwori Prasad Bhusal, Chair of Mahashila Rural Municipality in Parbat, Gandaki Province; and Chair of Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Bhupal Pokharel, in Gulmi, Lumbini Province were honoured.