Budget discussions continue in House

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 17: In Sunday’s session of the House of Representatives, parliamentarians convened to discuss the Appropriation Bill, 2023, proposing significant cuts across various ministries including Federal Affairs and General Administration, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and Finance. The deliberations saw diverse opinions and proposals aimed at reshaping budgetary allocations and addressing pressing national concerns.

MP Ramhari Khatiwada proposed a reduction in expenditures for the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration under the Appropriation Bill, 2024/25. 

He remarked that the salaries and allowances for officials have been overly accommodated, proposing symbolic adjustments to reflect fiscal prudence. He underscored the need for a balanced budget that equally prioritizes local and union levels, emphasising governance transparency and fair employee treatment.

MP Rajendra Lingden advocated for overall expenditure reductions, expressing dissatisfaction with the budget’s current framework. Lingden criticised the lack of substantive amendments in the budget discussions, emphasising the need for substantial policy revisions.

MP Dr. Amresh Kumar Singh echoed concerns over budget allocations, criticising what he perceived as an undue influence from specific political factions and business interests in shaping the budget. Singh stressed the inadequacy of current budgetary measures in addressing economic recession, urging broader fiscal responsibility.

MP Dr. Swarnim Wagle suggested comprehensive economic reforms to bolster fiscal reliability and capacity. He stressed the need to transition from traditional to modern energy sources, advocating for increased investments in electricity production and transmission infrastructure. Wagle emphasized private sector participation to cover capital shortfalls for effective project implementation.

MP Prem Suwal advocated for stringent financial reforms across ministries, particularly in taxation and energy policies. He flagged deficiencies in the proposed budget’s clarity on tax reforms and highlighted energy sector challenges, calling for enhanced budgetary focus on sustainable energy solutions.

MP Mukta Kumari Yadav spotlighted irregularities in fund disbursements within the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation. She demanded reforms to ensure equitable distribution of resources, particularly in addressing irrigation issues in Tarai-Madhes, underscoring the urgent need for administrative appointments in municipalities.

Chief Whip of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre) Hitraj Pandey proposed ambitious infrastructure projects, including a dam on the Trishuli River at Devghat for irrigation expansion. Pandey emphasised the transformative impact of irrigation projects on agricultural productivity and rural employment, advocating for digitalisation and climate-resilient water resource management strategies.

MP Yogesh Bhattarai urged structural reforms in the budgeting process, lamenting the proliferation of minor projects at the expense of larger, transformative initiatives. He criticised the reliance on superficial budgetary metrics and advocated for a more project-oriented approach to budget allocation, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors.

MP Bishwa Prakash Sharma stressed the need for clarity and commitment in executing national projects like the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project. Sharma cautioned against over-reliance on foreign loans, urging sustainable financing models and international best practices to navigate project complexities effectively.

MP Chitra Bahadur KC voiced scepticism over the economic viability of federalism, citing substantial financial burdens and limited internal revenue sources for provincial governments. KC questioned the sustainability of current budgetary allocations to provinces, underscoring the necessity for equitable fiscal distribution and economic autonomy.