Energy Minister Shares Budget Implementation Update, Addresses Meter Shortage

Kathmandu. Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Shrestha has informed that the contract process has moved forward in the initial phase of the current fiscal year's budget implementation.

Speaking at a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee on Friday, Minister Shrestha stated that more contracts have started since the month of Shrawan compared to the past. He clarified that the ministry is committed to addressing public interest issues, noting that it has only been 22 days since the budget came into implementation. He mentioned that continuous discussions and coordination are ongoing with representatives from local, provincial, and federal levels. He also informed that most irrigation projects have already been transferred to the provincial level, and although constitutional and legal provisions exist regarding the scope of work, the ministry is not shying away from its responsibilities. He pledged to classify projects and implement plans transparently according to procedures. 'Many project contracts have started this Shrawan month,' said Minister Shrestha. 'Since it has only been about 22 days since the current fiscal year's budget came into implementation, its impact will take some more time to be visible.' He urged all parties to resolve the existing problems through cooperation and coordination. 'This year, the procedure for classifying and implementing sectoral projects with the participation of honorable members has reached its final stage,' he added. 'The ministry has been continuously coordinating with representatives from the federal, provincial, and local levels.' He informed that since irrigation-related matters have now come under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, the ministry is moving forward with the process of sending conditional grants in coordination with the provinces as per legal provisions. He expressed confidence that implementation would be more effective if work proceeds in coordination with the offices of the concerned districts. Similarly, Minister Shrestha stated that the shortage of electricity meters seen in various parts of the country is gradually being resolved. While admitting that there was some shortage of transformers due to delays in the procurement process in the past, he clarified that the situation regarding meters is improving. He mentioned that the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority is working with a strategic plan to make meter distribution systematic and effective. According to Minister Shrestha, a policy has been adopted to distribute meters proportionally across all provinces. 'There has been some shortage of transformers due to delays in their procurement,' said Minister Shrestha. 'However, there has been a significant improvement in the supply of meters.' He stated that meters have been sent to all provinces in the first phase, and complaints regarding delays in meter installation are also gradually decreasing. 'Meter distribution has been done based on provincial needs and demand,' he added. 'Karnali has been provided with meters according to demand, while the eastern region requires some additional supply due to population density.' The government has committed to providing meters in the remaining areas soon based on demand and need.