Sep 17, Kathmandu - The Nepali Army has taken legal action against the government after it failed to settle fuel bills purchased on credit through coupons from a petrol station operated by the Soldiers Welfare Fund. Despite repeated reminders, the government has not paid the dues for the fuel supplied, prompting the Army to approach the court.

According to court sources, the Kathmandu District Court has directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports to appear and testify on Bhadra 29 regarding the unpaid bills. The case involves the Ripu Mardini Petrol Station Pvt. Ltd., which supplied fuel on credit to the Army and other government agencies.

The court issued an order on Bhadra 29, instructing the Ministry of Youth and Sports to present itself and provide a statement regarding the outstanding amount. The order states that a letter has been sent demanding the ministry’s appearance on Ashwin 14.

The Petrol Station, operated by the Soldiers Welfare Fund, has been providing affordable fuel to the Nepalese Army, general citizens, and various government offices. It also supplied fuel on credit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports through coupons.

As the case unfolds, concerns are rising that other government ministries and agencies may face similar issues in settling their fuel dues. The Army claims that the total outstanding amount owed by the ministry is NPR 917,180, including dues from fiscal years 2077/78 (NPR 24,143), 2078/79 (NPR 885,487), and 2079/80 (NPR 5,710).

Despite multiple verbal and written requests for payment, the Ministry has ignored the Army’s efforts, citing various reasons. The Army contends that the ministry’s failure to clear the dues hampers the Army’s ability to provide timely services to soldiers and the public.

The Army further alleges that the Ministry of Finance, instead of settling the fuel debts, has been asking for budget allocations, which complicates recovery efforts. The Army has emphasized that the unpaid dues are a responsibility of the government and that legal action was necessary to recover the amount.

The case also highlights that the fuel station’s operations, funded from a portion of soldiers’ salaries and allowances deposited into the Soldiers Welfare Fund, have been adversely affected due to the government’s negligence in clearing the dues. This has created difficulties in providing timely services to the soldiers and beneficiaries.

The Army criticized the Ministry of Sports for delaying payments since 2077, despite promises and assurances. The legal action aims to recover the unpaid amount along with reasonable compensation for legal costs and damages.

The Army has stated that they have been compelled to take this step to ensure accountability and proper management of government-funded resources.