Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the escalating arrears in the government offices would tarnish country’s reputation in international arena. He said so while addressing a meeting of Auditor Generals at Singha Durbar in the Capital on Tuesday.

“What is the main reason behind the soaring arrears?” PM Oli Questioned. “Intentional arrears of state funds corruption, and those involved in creating such arrears will be taken stern action,” he said. He further said that increasing arrears is a bad indication for good governance.

PM Oli said any state agencies found involved in corruption and irregularities would not get amnesty.

“Nepalis are not corrupt people by nature,” PM Oli said, adding “But the ambition and bad culture growing within us have dragged Nepalis into corruption. We should put a stop on such practices right here.”

Saying that political leaders should also abide by financial rules and laws, PM Oli urged the leaders to become serious about it.

In the meeting, Auditor General Tankamani Sharma informed that arrears had reached Rs 48 billion in the fiscal year 2017/2018.