Failure to Implement Project Bank Causes MPs’ Plans to Stumble, Unable to Organize Effectively, Says Official

May 18, Pokhara – Internal conflicts within the Nepali Congress have also impacted the Gandaki Province. On April 15, 2026 (Nepali calendar 2083 Baisakh 3), Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey appointed Jit Bahadur Sherchan from Baglung as the Finance Minister. While MPs led by Gagan Thapa, who came into prominence after the special general convention, were preparing a vote of no confidence against the Chief Minister, the Gandaki provincial cabinet was reshuffled. There was internal party pressure on Chief Minister Pandey to reorganize the council ahead of the budget presentation. Additionally, there was pressure from both the ruling UML and opposition NC and Rastriya Prajatantra Party to collaboratively prepare the policy and budget.

Criticism is mounting over the inclusion of MPs’ preferred projects in the budget through a system of allowances and ceilings, as well as the introduction of multi-year projects added with the consensus of ruling party leaders in the current fiscal budget. Finance Minister Sherchan has announced a total budget of NPR 3.2999 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/084. Following his declaration of an allocation of NPR 200 million for the industrial and tourism sectors, confusion erupted. Eventually, it was decided under Chief Minister Pandey’s direction to amend the error and inform the parliament accordingly.

Finance Minister Sherchan stated, “This budget includes some fundamental and innovative programs.” However, as he acknowledged, the province has yet to identify clear priorities and goals. The budget has been prepared with a focus on agriculture and tourism. He emphasized making agriculture and tourism more technology-friendly and integrating innovation.

The Finance Minister will need to answer how the internal revenue base will be expanded in the coming year and what results Gandaki Province expects from this budget. He mentioned, “In this budget, banks will invest, and the province will pay the interest.” This approach of selecting projects based on the preferences of MPs and ministers has drawn considerable criticism.