During Sunday’s House of Representatives session, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun presented a proposal for general discussion of the upcoming fiscal year’s (2081/82) revenue and expenditure estimates.
Members of the House of Representatives advocated for effective execution of the budget.
During today’s session, MP Bishnu Prasad Paudel said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25 lacked refinement due to insufficient consultation with the ruling parties. Paudel emphasised the need for clearer economic reform initiatives and expressed concern over reduced budget allocation compared to the current year. He advocated for in-depth analysis of marijuana legalisation and urged further study on establishing provincial centres. While acknowledging positive aspects like land distribution to the landless, Paudel highlighted missed opportunities in municipal-level projects. He commended inclusion of various programmes like educational reform and employment initiatives but cautioned against overambitious revenue targets and the challenge of resource management. Paudel welcomed increased development expenditure targets but stressed the need for improved spending efficiency.
MP Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat expressed dissatisfaction over removing the VAT on apples, onions, and potatoes, arguing that it would discourage domestic production. He warned that this move would flood Nepal with cheap vegetables from India, harming the local farmers. Mahat denounced the claim that VAT removal aimed to boost domestic production, asserting it was used primarily for customs. He expressed concern over the increased budget allocation for the Ministry of Finance, questioning the necessity and urging prioritisation aligned with national interests. Mahat emphasised the importance of responsible budget allocation, urging adherence to rules and prioritisation for the benefit of the nation and its people.
MP Devendra Paudel lauded the budget, foreseeing it as a catalyst for the country’s financial system. Paudel highlighted the budget’s potential to bring dynamism and sustainability, urging proactive agency mobilization for implementation. He highlighted positive aspects like increased electricity generation, road infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress aligned with socialist principles. Paudel cautioned against neglecting long-standing infrastructure projects, stressing the need for vigilant monitoring and completion.
MP Gokul Prasad Baskota remarked that the budget sought to clarify the nation’s economic trajectory over the 15-year span following the establishment of the Republic. He noted a lack of coherence between budgetary principles, priorities, and annual policies, urging scrutiny of its alignment with the forthcoming financial year, marking the inception of the 16th five-year plan.
MP Sudan Kiranti highlighted the budget’s focus on bolstering internal revenue through heightened domestic production and productivity, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and customs.
MP Hridyaram Thani lauded the budget’s emphasis on enhancing productivity, fostering employment, promoting cannabis commercialization, allocating funds for individuals suffering from serious illnesses, and initiating the Prime Minister’s Climate Change Management Programme as positive steps forward.
MP Ganesh Parajuli expressed optimism regarding the government’s budget, believing it will alleviate kitchen prices. He praised tax exemptions on potatoes and onions and highlighted policies supporting IT and indigenous industries, youth employment, and agricultural modernization for export facilitation. Parajuli urged scrutiny of budget size and foreign loan impact.
MP Rekha Yadav stressed the crucial aspect of effectively implementing the budget allocated for the next fiscal year. Yadav criticised the lack of enthusiasm in the budget’s socialist-oriented execution. She flagged reduced agricultural budget allocation and urged urgent Chure conservation measures.
Similarly, speaking at the special period of Sunday’s meeting, MP Gagan Kumar Thapa emphasised the need to return savings to cooperative victims. He urged the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on cooperatives, to address crises within cooperatives and support those operating ethically. Thapa advocated for distinguishing between honest cooperatives and fraudulent ones, emphasising justice for victims through committee intervention. Responding to concerns raised by Gorkha media regarding misappropriation of cooperative funds, Thapa called for a thorough investigation and legal consequences for perpetrators.
Likewise, MP Manish Jha asked to open files concerning Balmandir, Bansbari, Tikapur, Bhutanese refugees, Giribandhu, and Terramax. Jha criticised Nepali Congress, accusing Rastriya Swatantra Party for everything. He emphasised equal contributions to political change and questioned the lack of action regarding water scarcity and fires. Jha advocated for transparent parliamentary inquiry committees, highlighting historical precedents without focusing on individuals.
Lawmakers also lamented citizens’ livelihood issues neglected during prolonged parliamentary shutdowns. They questioned parliament’s suspension due to legislative delays, highlighting inadequate discussion of storm, fire, and other damages.
MPs also highlighted the critical issue of dwindling water sources in the Tarai region due to Chure’s degradation. They stressed long-term solutions, stressing Chure’s preservation to alleviate the severe drinking water shortage. They disapproved the government’s inaction and urged immediate attention to the plight of those affected, particularly the marginalised communities. Concerns were also raised regarding escalating water scarcity, neglected sectors like agriculture, inadequate budget allocations for crucial ministries, and the growing threat of climate change. Calls for prioritising people-centric budgeting and addressing core societal challenges were echoed across the session.The next session of the HoR is scheduled for 11 am on Monday.
