Parliament starts pre-budget discussions

Kathmandu / May 10: The House of Representatives has started discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the Fiscal Year 2018/19.

Finance Minister Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada had presented a proposal in the meeting on Wednesday seeking discussions on the Bill.

Taking part in the discussions, CPN (UML) vice chair Bhim Rawal said that the upcoming budget has been forwarded by realizing the political parties’ election manifesto and spirit of the constitution.

He further welcomed the provision of progressive taxation system adding that the budget has an objective of mobilizing the foreign aid, developing the transport and energy development and its expansion. He further opined that the budget should clearly address the marginalized sectors.

Leader Rawal stressed on modernizing the agriculture, reforming national security policy and promoting the nationalism.

Similarly, Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr Minendra Rijal expected that the issues come up in the meeting would be included in the budget. He also said that the budget should focus on infrastructure development.

CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Agni Sapkota said that the budget was positive in infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, promotion of good governance and uplifting the marginalized communities.

Laxman Lal Karna from Rastriya Janata Party Nepal said the budget should be free of political biasness, while stressing the need for handing development programmes to province and local levels.

Rajendra Shrestha from the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal viewed the budget as a continuity of past. RSS