Kathmandu, April 7
The government has decided to significantly reduce fuel support for government employees and public office-bearers to control public expenditure and manage the ongoing fuel crisis. According to the Ministry of Finance, the fuel benefits have been reduced in the present context to maintain austerity.
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle revised the ‘Work Operation Directives, 2081’ in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2076 BS and re-determined the fuel-related benefits. According to the revised provisions, now secretaries and special class office-bearers will receive only 70 litres of fuel per month, which was 125 liters earlier.
In the case of joint secretary-level officials, it has been reduced from 100 litres to 50 litres. The facilities of ministers and constitutional officials will remain the same, the ministry has stated. Similarly, the fuel facility available for central government offices has been reduced. Offices with up to 30 employees will now get only 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel, which were previously 75 litres and 100 litres respectively. Similarly, the same limit will be applicable for offices with up to 50 employees. An additional provision has been made to provide 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel for every 100 employees, which is almost half the amount compared to the previous one.
The fuel facility has been reduced in the case of two-wheelers as well. Earlier, 12 litres of petrol were being provided per month, but now only eight litres will be available. The government has expressed confidence that this decision will help control public expenditure and also manage the current challenges brought about by the adverse conditions.
