KMC starts homework to draft policy and program and annual budget for FY 2024/25

Kathmandu / May 11: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has commenced homework to draft the policy and programs and budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25.

Deputy Mayor of KMC Sunita Dangol stated that they are prioritizing program selection requirements and preparing to select plans that can be promptly implemented.

“The thematic committee, tasked with assessing the current situation and proposing plans for forthcoming events, will gather and organize information under the coordination of Sumitra Lamichhane Subedi, Head of the Budget and Evaluation Department, and Prabin Pyakurel, Head of Development Planning and Human Resource Development Department. This committee, comprising key figures from various departments, has been assigned this responsibility,” she mentioned.

Deputy Mayor Dangol highlighted that the planning process starting with the preparation of the budget typically begins in mid-November each year. The initial step involves updating the position paper by collecting and analyzing relevant information, a task to be completed by the thematic department, division, and branch by mid-December.

“By mid-February, responsibilities for thematic areas are allocated to members through division. As it is a thematic committee within KMC, its mandate has been delegated by the executive,” she added.

The ‘Resource Estimation and Budget Ceiling Committee’ commences work from mid-February. This includes activities such as obtaining grants and revenue distribution from the federal and provincial levels, discussing budget and program priorities, preparing guidance on budget estimation, and formulating budget and program proposals.

“Discussions, prioritization, and signaling, along with the preparation of budget and annual development program proposals, including those from non-governmental organizations and development partners, is carried out in the thematic committee. The bills prepared will then be approved by the executive and submitted to the Municipal Assembly before mid-June,” explained Deputy Mayor Dangol.

She further said that the proposal would be passed by the assembly before mid-July, thus completing the planning stages. The ‘Resource Estimation and Budget Ceiling Committee’ meeting held on April 22, chaired by Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), has already endorsed the guidelines for the fiscal year 2024/25, according to KMC.