‘Budget focused on country and people

NL Today

  • Read Time 2 min.

Kathmandu: The Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) have argued that the new budget for the upcoming fiscal year has kept the country and people at the centre.

Taking part in the discussions on the budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2024/025 at the HoR meeting on Tuesday, MP Tshering Lama Tamang said the budget this time is extraordinary compared to the past. Tamang appreciated the budget’s announcements of making Madhesh a hub of agriculture, a hub of medicinal herbs for Karnali and a cultural hub for Sudurpaschim provinces.

Likewise, MPs Surya Prasad Dhakal said integrity and willpower was missing instead of money while Dr Chandra Bhandari said the budget failed to address the issues of production growth and employment creation.

Lawmaker Nagina Yadav said the budget has not given priority to improve the economy while MP Lal Prasad Sawa Limbu said that the revenue system should be reformed and the scope of taxation should be widened.

MP Nainakala Thapa pointed out huge gap in capital expenditure and current expenditure.

MP Maina Karki said the budget has no project to stop the youths from going abroad and expedite the national pride projects.

Likewise, MP Kiran Kumar Shah said  the budget has prioritized the infrastructure development in the country.

However, MP Dev Prasad Timilsina said the budget has failed to address the concerns of farmers, labourers and government employees.

MP Narayan Prasad Acharya suggested that needs assessment of agriculture, education, health care, drinking water and tourism should be prepared and a model for the upcoming decade should be prepared.

MP Man Bahadur Gurung said capital expenses should be increased in the infrastructure sector and production growth.

MP Bijula Rayamajhi and Sapana Rajbhandari said the implementation of the budget is crucial while MP Hari Dhakal said the budget lacks newness.

General discussions on the budget will continue on Tuesday as well. The next meeting of the HoR is to be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday. (RSS)