The OPMCM had dispatched a directive to all ministers to that effect on December 10. Sources at OPMCM said ministers under Madhav Kumar Nepal-led cabinet are found to have spent Rs 10 million for domestic trips within six months starting July, 2009.
According to OPMCM officials, the bills submitted by ministers to the Finance Section of OPMCM were not transparent and often tampered. The main objective of the directive is to curb reckless spending on domestic trips by the ministers, reads the directive.
“The office has received bills produced without following due procedure,” reads a decision paper (dispatched number-313). “The objective of this instruction is to bring all the ministers to follow due process.”
The OPMCM has also warned the ministers not to produce bills tampered with correction fluid to inflate the actual amount.
As per the instruction, ministers, including state and assistant ministers, will have to specify the numbers of visitors, purpose and the place they intend to visit to the prime minister prior to their departure. The ministers will also have to produce the bills of expenses to the prime minister for his approval.
The date of departure should match the date mentioned in plane tickets. The OPMCM will not accept bills of vehicular fares if the ministers´ trips are via air. There is a growing tendency among ministers to produce both vehicular and airfare expenses.
As per the instructions, other members accompanying the ministers are required to submit separate bills at the Finance Section of OPMCM. The ministers have also been directed to produce the bills within 15 days of their trip.
“Ministers are also required to inform the Ministry of Home Affairs two days before their departure about the duration and place of visit,” reads the directive.
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