Nepal has regressed on Open budget Index as shown on the latest survey report published by the International Budget Partnership’s (IBP).

Transparency Index has dropped to 41 in 2019 from 52 on 2017 on Open Budget Survey (OBS) – the research instrument using internationally accepted criteria to assess public access to central government budget information, formal opportunities for the public to participate in the national budget process; and the role of budget oversight institutions such as the legislature and auditor in the budget process.

This survey is based on a questionnaire completed in each country by independent budget experts: Taranath Dahal and Krishna Sapkota of Freedom Forum for Nepal.

This survey finds that Nepal has decreased the availability of budget information by failing to publish the In-Year Reports (Quarterly Economic Bulletins) online within three months of the end of the reporting period, failing to publish part of the Year-End Report (Annual Progress Assessment Report-2017-18).

With the view of drawing government attention to this report and its recommendations which would be useful for the government to initiate reforms in budget processes and policies; at a time when the executive is presenting the federal budget in the parliament on May 28 (14 Jestha), we, Freedom Forum, have circulated the Open Budget Nepal Survey 2019 (Both Nepali & English Edition) to following Government Personals, Appointees and Elected Officials.

Mr Lok Darshan Regmi Chief Secretary Government of Nepal Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Rajendra Phuyal Secretary National Assembly Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada  Minister Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Sishir Kumar Dhungana Secretary Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Ram Sharan Pudasaini Revenue Secretary Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Uttar Kumar Khatry Spokesperson Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Dhaniram Sharma Chief, Budget and Program Division Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Jhakka Prasad Acharya Joint Secretary Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Yam LalBhusal Joint Secretary – Economic Policy Analysis Division Ministry of Finance Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Hon. Tanka Mani Sharma Auditor General of Nepal Auditor General of Nepal Babarmahal, Kathmandu
Mr. Ramu Prasad  Dotel Deputy Auditor-General Office of the Auditor General Babarmahal, Kathmandu
Mr. Gopi Prasad Mainali Secretary Financial Comptroller General Office Anamnagar, Kathmandu
Honourable Krishna Prasad Dahal President Finance Committee, House of Representatives Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Honourable Bharat Kumar Shah President Public Accounts Committee, House of Representatives Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. RojNath Pandey Secretary Public Accounts Committee – Parliament of Nepal Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Prof. DrPushma Raj Kandel Honourable Vice-Chair National Planning Commission Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Kewal Prasad Bhandari Secretary National Planning Commission Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr Shiva RanjanPoudel Information Officer National Planning Commission Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
Mr. Ramesh Prasad Shiwakoti Coordinator PEFA Secretariat Anamnagar, Kathmandu
Mr. Mun Kumar KC Member PEFA Secretariat Anamnagar, Kathmandu