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Lumbini Trust risking losing its reputation

BHAIRAHAWA, AUG 03 -
Excessive and unwarranted spending could cost Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) its national and international reputation.

The Lumbini trust and the Ministry for Tourism and Culture are reportedly spending money in a haphazard manner and delay in completion of the Lumbini Master Plan has raised serious question about LDT’s competence.

The Rs 7 billion master plan is allegedly in shambles as LDT has failed to meet the target of restoring an area of about 7.7 square km and transforming it into Lumbini garden and developing additional area of 64.5 square km into an area dedicated to the master plan.

LDT Treasurer Majhilal Tharuthanaitha accepted incompetence of the trust in accurately utilising budget. “We have to accept the failure on our part in the proper utilisation of the available fund,” he said.

The credibility of LDT in the international community is at risk, as the master plan that was supposed complete by 1995 has protracted by more than a decade with very little work done.

Complaints are also rife that LDT has been making excessive spending on hospitality and unworthy foreign trips. For example, Rs 1.5 million was spent during the 15-day US tour by LDT Vice Chairman Karmasangbo Sherpa and Secretary of Culture Ministry Modhraj Dotel.

LDT has been reportedly spending its money on the entertainment of wives and relatives of ministers and senior government officials.

LDT council member Subarna Shakya said ministers and officials of the trust were also spending huge amount of money in petty programmes like training and prize distribution organised in Lumbini. “The council is kept in dark about the spending that are made from the LDT coffer,” he said.

Posted on: 2011-08-04 09:17

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