Audit finds major ifnancial irregularities in Diprung Chuichumma

KATHMANDU: A government audit has exposed serious financial mismanagement in Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality of Khotang during the fiscal year 2080/81, revealing widespread misuse of public funds and violations of financial procedures.

According to the report, social security allowances amounting to Rs 307,625 were issued under the names of 16 deceased individuals.

Fuel procurement also raised red flags. Despite spending Rs 349,000 on petrol, the purchase was made from an unauthorized supplier at a rate Rs 30 above the official price.

Moreover, there were no records of vehicle usage, logs, or travel distances.

The report casts doubt on the authenticity of Rs 2.81 million spent under fuel expenses.

Further irregularities include:

• Direct purchase of medicines worth Rs 5.31 million without a competitive bidding process.

• Goods and services totaling Rs 7.49 million acquired without following procurement rules.

• Unnecessary allowances distributed by holding 25 evaluation meetings for a single tender, ignoring cost-effective practices.

The municipality also reportedly spent Rs 1.63 million on food and snacks during field visits without preparing travel reports, maintaining fuel logs, or conducting any official monitoring.

Additional violations highlighted in the report:

• Rs 746,000 spent on local curriculum development and academic calendar publication, in breach of regulations.

• Rs 1.2 million paid for fertilizer transportation without a quotation process or proof of distribution to farmers.