KATHMANDU – Saroj Guraagai, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), has clarified that he is not responsible for the delay in the approval of the city’s annual budget. In a discussion with journalists on Sunday, Guraagai emphasized that the budget process must proceed and stated that he has no intention of obstructing any decisions.
“I am clear that the budget must be presented,” Guraagai said. “I am not in favor of blocking decisions made by Mayor Balen Shah, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, or other elected representatives.”
Budget Dispute Sparks Debate Over Kathmandu Tower Project
Guraagai expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to link the Kathmandu Tower project with the city’s budget controversy. He stated that the tower project had already been approved and that his role was limited to issuing a certificate as part of the procedural requirement.
“The decision regarding the Kathmandu Tower has already been made. I was merely involved in issuing a certificate as part of due process,” he explained.
Allegations, Reactions, and a Call for Responsible Governance
Addressing criticism and allegations circulating in certain media outlets and on social media, Guraagai expressed disappointment. “Just because someone makes an allegation doesn’t make it true,” he said. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to understand why I am being repeatedly targeted.”
The current deadlock in budget approval is reportedly due to tensions between the elected leadership—particularly the mayor—and the city’s chief administrative officer. Guraagai’s recent remarks have triggered new discussions about administrative stability and the budget process within KMC.
Guraagai maintained that the Kathmandu Tower project is unrelated to the budget and argued that using it to block the budget is unjustified. He also reiterated that he had previously addressed similar accusations and urged the public and officials to refrain from unnecessary speculation.
Emphasizing the need for cooperation between KMC’s administrative and elected bodies, Guraagai called on all stakeholders to act with restraint and responsibility to move the process forward.
