The government’s push to reduce travel costs amid rising fuel prices appears to be falling short. The finance ministry’s review of government travel expenses shows travel-related expenditure has continued to rise. In just two months, the travel allowances and related expenses increased by more than Nu 300 M, reaching Nu 1.4bn by May this year.
The increase came despite the government introducing travel rationalisation measures in March to curb unnecessary travel and reduce costs.
Ministries accounted for the largest share of travel expenses, making up more than 68 per cent of the total spending, while district administrations accounted for about 27 per cent.
Among ministries, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development recorded the highest travel expenditure at 268 million ngultrum as of May this year. It was followed by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources at Nu 131 M and the Ministry of Health at Nu 106 M.
Among districts, Sarpang recorded the highest travel expenditure at Nu 24 M, followed by Chhukha and Trashigang with Nu 22 M each.
The review found that Supervisory and Support-level officials accounted for the largest share of frequent travellers at about 40 per cent. Professional and Management-level officials made up another 35 per cent, while operational-level officials accounted for 20 per cent.
According to the review, frequent travel was mainly linked to field-based responsibilities, including areas such as audit, infrastructure, and decentralised administrative work.
Compared to the same period last year, government travel expenses increased by Nu 553 M, rising from Nu 859 M to Nu 1.4bn.
According to the review, the findings raise questions about the effectiveness of current travel controls and whether additional measures are needed.
The finance ministry urges agencies to evaluate and review the current travel practices and explore measures to rationalise travel expenditure.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sonam Pem
