KATHMANDU: Concerns over the transparency of government expenditure on USAID initiatives in Nepal have been voiced by members of the House of Representatives Finance Committee. Lawmaker Ganga Karki stressed during a committee hearing on Sunday that the government should disclose the expenditure details, particularly in view of accusations against US President Donald Trump about assistance implementation fraud.
Karki stated that these concerns should be allayed because unofficial sources have shown that the funds were disbursed through the Natural Resources and Finance Commission. She urged the government to make this matter clear in order to preserve transparency.
Additionally, Congressman Gyanendra Bahadur Karki expressed the need to understand the history of President Trump's fraud allegations. He also reminded the committee that the American-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact was signed while he was Finance Minister and later approved by the legislature.
Karki also emphasized the necessity of completing the measures under discussion in the Finance Committee, noting that postponing their passage might obstruct development. He made remarks to make sure the committee's work remains current and focused.
In contrast, Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri expressed a different viewpoint, arguing that the House of Representatives, not the Finance Committee, should consider the matter brought up by the US President. This is his case: it is a matter not just of the legislative discussion but also the jurisdiction of the committee.
Commented Chhetri, the Ministry of Finance should preferably be contacted for appropriate data on the expenses incurred under USAID projects. He also criticized long durations of sittings which usually deviated from the point at which the committee was supposed to discuss.
Members therefore would agree that USAID spending requires an increased focus and attention, as well as the need for needful available productive sessions to keep the discussions on substantial matters.
Also Read: US Withdraws $39M Aid for Nepal
.jpeg)
