Budget Is Balanced, Not Distributive

It is an encouraging sign to see the federal parliament proceedings being run smoothly and the budget presented by Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, being discussed in detail by leaders of the different political parties present there. It seems that all the lawmakers had closely studied the budget estimates for the coming fiscal year of 2081/82 and they had drawn the attention of the government, not only towards the shortcomings in their respective constituencies, but also to the bigger obstacles that were being seen in the nation's development goals.

Naturally as could be expected, there were some differences among the members of the parliament (MPs), regarding the budget allotments to various national level projects, but all in all, most of the MPs were in agreement that the right decision was made in giving priority to certain areas, which would contribute significantly to the development activities in the nation and also help in making the economy stronger.

Allegations

Apart from the allegations being made by leaders on partisan grounds, other developments within the parliament are being welcomed by both political leaders and also those observing the proceedings within it, in a close manner. The people in general are not happy at the way several leaders are accusing each other at a personal level and unmasking themselves in this process. This is unbecoming behaviour of persons elected by the people, and who actually should be busy making laws and alerting the government about its shortcomings while taking some decisions.

The biggest disappointment of the people has been the performance of some promising and young leaders belonging to different parties, who are at present only engaged in either pointing out the faults of one another and on occasions speaking out only to defend their own party bosses and themselves as well. Such behaviour of these otherwise popular leaders could well be reflected in the way the people cast their votes in the forthcoming general elections scheduled to be held in 2084 B.S. Though the budget has allotted more funds to certain ministries compared to others, the fact that it has pinpointed several sectors and formulated some long term and some immediate plans, has been taken well by the people as a whole.

For example, giving priority to the agricultural sector, making proper utilisation of the country's hydropower sector, bringing in more tourists to the country and also in providing social security and better health care are just some of the features which has made this budget more popular among the people and also the parties in the parliament. There is no doubt that agriculture is the mainstay of occupation for the majority of the people, especially for those who live in villages and small townships all across the country. The commoners depend on the different types of crops for their daily existence and also for making an income from their farm products to fulfil their other needs. 

At this juncture, it would be a folly to not mention the empathetic way the government has decided to make a long-term plan to declare the next decade as 'an agriculture decade'. It should be taken as an irony that Nepal, which once exported agricultural products like rice and lentils, among others, is now importing the same from neighbouring countries. The people were also self-sufficient in their need for different vegetables, which again they have to import at present. It must not be forgotten that rice, lentil and seasonable vegetables are the staple diet of the majority of the people.

Deciding to promote tourism is also a good idea. There are thousands of people who make a comfortable living by being involved in this sector. The government also earns a tidy amount of foreign currency from this sector which contributes for the collection of revenue also, and even in putting Nepal in the world map through its natural beauty, rich heritage and ever-ready hospitality for which the Nepalis are well known for.

Of course, some sectors are not that satisfied with the budget, feeling they have been left out. But for many, including the private sector industries, the budget has been seen as being productive and pragmatic, thus acceptable to most of the people in different businesses and occupation. Finance Minister Barsaman Pun has also defended the budget by saying it was not a distributive budget but it was a 'productive' one, where it has tried to divide long-term priority sectors and the current needs for strengthening the economy of the nation through different methods. The budget has given much importance for further promoting and implementation of sectors like hydro-power, health care and social security, among others. 

Development goals

For resolving the current shortcomings in sectors like education and sports, more funds have been allotted for them to the delight, especially, of sport fans. At a time when Nepal is taking a huge leap forward in the international sporting world, by competing with bigger names in the cricket world, win or lose, it has made most Nepalis feel proud of this success of the Nepali team. The need for a more sustainable career for the sports persons, and also for the development of physical infrastructures, like cricket fields, has been felt by everyone, more so by the individuals engaged in different sporting events. The political leaders and also the government taking with seriousness the needs of this sector, is certain that better players will be groomed for a brighter future of the sporting sector.

Right now most people seem to be satisfied with the budget, but as a word of caution, the government must make it sure that it strictly monitors the implementation side of all the plans and policies it has made for fulfilling the development goals of the nation and resolving the problems faced by the common people for living a comfortable and secure life.

(The author is former chief editor of this daily.)