The government could also inject funds through its treasury if revenue collection surges, say officials.

The company has been penalised for delay in supplying medical equipment to fight Covid-19 but not for delivering inferior quality rapid diagnostic test kits, officials say.

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority did not produce any witnesses in court though it claimed in the chargesheet that witnesses had vouched that Rs 1,000 had changed hands.

Federal government can reduce the promised funds but this would jeopardise projects.

The constitutional body is largely failing to function as per its mandate because over-politicisation has meant officials often serve their political masters, analysts say.

At a time when many Nepalis have lost jobs to the pandemic, a comprehensive strategy could ensure work for them at home, officials and experts say.

Experts say political differences and lack of experiences in state affairs are major reasons behind the delay.

Continued curbs could spell disaster for the already fragile economy and result in loss of livelihoods of many more and closure of small and medium enterprises.

Government data show a downward spiral, and with uncertainties caused by Covid-19, economists say the country will hugely struggle to escape a negative growth this fiscal year.

Various government offices fail to complete salary release procedures due to the pandemic.

When appointed finance minister two-and-a-half-years ago, the technocrat brought with him the expertise to take the economy forward. But as he signed off, many say he just had a run-of-the-mill tenure.

Prompted by a rising virus caseload, authorities are tightening restrictions which could result in a massive economic contraction.

In an audio tape leaked in February, then communication minister Gokul Baskota was heard negotiating for Rs700 million in bribes with Mishra.

Apart from time and cost overruns for the private and government-funded projects, the impact will also be on the country’s economy which could incur heavy potential output losses worth billions of rupees.

Representatives say many donors don’t want funds diverted to the cause.