MP Dr. Amreshkumar Singh has strongly criticized the budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, expressing concerns that the budget is unlikely to be implemented effectively. He emphasized that education and health sectors, guaranteed as fundamental rights by the constitution, should not be subjected to taxation. Additionally, he opposed the policy of taking on more domestic loans merely to repay old debts without allocating funds for development. (May 11, Kathmandu)
During the budget discussion in the House of Representatives, Dr. Singh, from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, took a critical stance against Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, stating, “This budget has not abandoned the poor people.” However, he expressed serious objection to the Finance Minister, educated at Budhanilkantha School, for imposing taxes on citizens’ constitutional rights to health and education.
Dr. Singh questioned, “What percentage of Nepal’s workforce is satisfied with this budget?” He noted that bankers might be content, but deposits in banks are rising while borrowing conditions remain weak, and the business environment is unsatisfactory. He lamented that taxing education and health sectors constitutes an encroachment on the constitution, with no signs of improvement.
He added, “I lack confidence that this budget will be implemented.” Dr. Singh expressed concern that the government is taking new loans solely to repay old debts without any concrete plan for development. He summarized his stance by saying, “This budget will not be implemented; it is like a blown-up balloon ready to burst.”
