Rastriya Swatantra Party MPs Advised by Two Ministers: Avoid Seeking Ministers’ Doors for Budget Requests
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) has initiated interactions between ministers and MPs starting Wednesday regarding the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagley has conveyed that the government aims to increase revenue collection from NPR 1.2 trillion to NPR 1.4 trillion. Ministers have informed MPs that a results-oriented budget is being prepared, and outdated, ineffective practices will be eliminated. (April 23, Kathmandu)
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has started discussions between ministers and parliamentarians about the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. On the first day, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagley and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Sunil Lamsal held talks with the MPs. MP Khagendra Karn provided details about the budget preparation and process.
Finance Minister Wagley stated that the government is targeting an increase in revenue. He emphasized the goal of raising revenue collection from NPR 1.2 trillion to NPR 1.4 trillion. MPs were also informed about plans to complete 3,000 bridges, which were initiated in the past, within three years. MP Deepakkumar Sah (Sunsari) shared that the government plans to make major cities dust-free and improve border management.
The MPs were also briefed on plans to secure loans as grants from India and China for infrastructure development. Ministers Wagley and Lamsal assured that there will be no shortage of chemical fertilizers this time. Finance Minister Wagley urged MPs to avoid unnecessary visits to ministers’ offices for budget requests, as budget allocations will be prioritized appropriately. The ministers clarified that the outdated practice of frequently approaching ministers to plead for budget allocations will not continue.
One MP participating in the discussion shared this information. Finance Minister Wagley highlighted the new government’s plan to introduce a performance-based budget. He informed MPs that ineffective old procedures would be abolished to implement a results-driven budget. The budget will be constructed while addressing liabilities left by the previous government. Ministers presented data indicating increased costs resulting from uncompleted development projects within the scheduled timeframe, as shared by MP Sah. On Thursday, MPs are scheduled for discussions with ministers of Tourism, Communications, and Law.
