May 12 : Lawmakers have said that the government should focus on making the country’s economy employment-oriented and self-dependent considering the negative impacts being left by the COVID-19 pandemic on it.
Taking part in a discussion on the principle and priority (except tax proposal) of Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2020/21 in the meeting of the House of Representatives yesterday, they opined so.
Saying the bill presented by Finance Minister Dr Yubraj Khatiwada is important, the lawmakers shared that the budget should be brought with a focus on economic reforms with some revision and amendment. They also suggested the government to make further strategy by evaluating the present situation, stressing that the goals of economic prosperity of the country should not be stopped
. On the occasion, former Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Banskota, stressed that the country should not stop the path towards speedy economic development. Saying the government should move ahead taking the private sector along in the present situation, he expressed the view that the private sector has to show honesty. “The budget should be brought making economy dynamic and production-oriented rather than bringing programmes for popularity.”
Similarly, Ram Kumari Jhakri drew government’s attention to bring policy to provide employment to Nepalis migrant returnees, avoid hunger and to save small-scale enterprises. Attention should also be paid in development of agro sector with appropriate policy, she added, suggesting to be strict to reduce public expenditure.
Likewise, Uma Regmi mentioned the budget should give top priority to uplift the economy affected by coronavirus, saying special priority should be given to development of industries, agro sector, tourism and employment opportunities. Lawmakers—Jeevanram Shrestha, Purna Kumari Subedi, among others also urged the government to bring incentive package for health workers. The HoR shall meet again today. Rss.