KATHMANDU, Nov 16 - Expressing concern over the increasing tendency of making expenditure by breaching the law in the government offices, the Office of Auditor General (OAG) on Sunday suggested the government to end such a trend at the earliest, and make an arrangement to use the state coffers only ...

In an audit report of the fiscal year 2007/8 submitted to President Dr Ram Baran Yadav today, the OAG has shown Rs 9.97 billion in arrears. With this, the total government misappropriations have increased to Rs 26.900 billion.

Ministry of Finance tops the list of ministries, showing highest amount in arrears. Similarly, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Local Development, Education and Sports and the Defense Ministry respectively follow the list.

According to Bachhu Ram Dahal, the Acting Auditor General, the government has been suggested to end the financial impunity and make the OAG more independent and sophisticated. Meanwhile, President Yadav stressed on the need for maintaining financial discipline. After receiving the report, he pointed out the need to make a special division.

The OAG floated the suggestion to the president, saying that the expenditure made in the past without mentioning in the budget has led to increment in arrears.

The report states that out of total government expenditure only Rs 9.

has been settled while the remaining Rs 9.97 billion is arrears.

Out of the additional misappropriation, Rs 5.280 billion was spent without meeting the criteria and nearly four billion rupees earmarked in advance.