Finance Ministry launches Aid Management Platform portal
KATHMANDU, JUN 22 -
The Ministry of Finance ( MoF ) on Friday officially launched the web portal of the Aid Management Platform (AMP).
The online service that offers information on foreign aid is expected to help the government and development partners manage aid and maintain transparency.
Through the AMP, the ministry has planned to update its aid-related information on the website.
The website allows users to search information on foreign assistance from various donor agencies, according to the MoF . It also facilitates users to look into how foreign aid is being utilised in various sectors and geographic locations.
Addressing the launch programme, Finance Secretary Shanta Raj Subedi said the website will help analyze the impact of foreign assistance in respective areas and geographic locations.
Nepal has been receiving foreign aid for the last six decades for developing economic and social infrastructure, including agriculture, health and education. However, questions have been raised on effective utilisation of foreign assistance.
The lack of proper information management system has also resulted in duplication of foreign aid in some of the geographical areas, whereas the needy people from other locations are deprived of the benefits of foreign grants.
Subedi said the online service will help maintain transparency in the utilisation of foreign aid. “It also helps divert resources to desired sectors and geographic locations,” he said. The interactive map in the web portal allows users to see exactly where projects and programmes are located, how aid matches with various development indicators, access in-depth reports.
There are around 700 foreign aid-funded programmes and projects operating in the country, according to the MoF . “It is part of the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and aid effectiveness,” states the website.
The MoF has prepared the website with support from the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), Department for International Development (DFID), UK and Denmark through the Developing Capacities for Effective Aid Management and Coordination Project. According to the MoF , over 40 development partners have been reporting aid information to the online system.
The AMP also covers information on programmes funded by 13 big INGOs. MoF joint-secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini said they will soon bring other INGOs under the system.
The AMP has also been planned to work in collaboration with the government’s Budget Management Information System and Financial Management Information System. “The integration is expected to track the budget and expenditure details,” said the MoF statement.
Speaking at the launch programme, UNDP Country Director Shoko Noda said transparency in foreign aid utilisation has always been the top concern of development partners. “In this regard, the website helps plan and manage the foreign aid more effectively,” she said.
The web portal can be accessed at portal.mof.gov.np.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
