The Finance Minister, Namgay Dorji, is blaming the previous government for the failure of the fourth phase of the Small Development Grant Project (SDGP). Lyonpo Namgay Dorji said the previous government did not abide by the procedures and guidelines on SDGP that were between the Bhutan and Indian governments.
He was answering the question posed by the Nubi-Tangsibji, MP Nidup Zangpo, during the National Assembly’s Question Hour, yesterday.
MP Nidup Zangpo asked if the Nu. 660 million promised by the Indian government on SDGP will be released. The amount was to be released by the Indian Government during 10th Five Year Plan.
“We already have financial manuals and procedures in place. Despite abiding by the rules, we heard that the money is not going to be released.”
The Finance Minister replied saying they have received a letter from the Indian government that says the Nu.660 million will not be released. “As far as I know it is because the past government failed to follow the procedure.”
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Lyonpo said are they are requesting the Indian government to release at least a half of the amount.
The Government had invested the money in the project already from its coffer, thinking that they would be able to replace it with the money that was supposed to come from India.
The finance minister was also asked if there is a need to change the financial manuals and reporting system. He said there is no need. However, he did say they currently reviewing the financial manuals and reporting system to meet the international norms.
The financial manuals and reporting system was last reviewed in 2001.
The Indian government has committed Nu.8.5 billion for the 11th Five Year Plan to implement 65 small development projects.
