Address Public Aspirations

The budget session of Federal Parliament has come down to business. It commenced on Monday with President Ramchandra Paudel presenting the government’s policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2026/27. The lawmakers have begun commenting on the policy document from Tuesday. The government is open to criticism, suggestions and inputs to its upcoming annual fiscal outlay that will be unveiled on May 29. There has been much hope and curiosity about the budget that will reflect the vision and strategy of the government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) that swept to power with near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives (HoR). The policy and programmes have already spoken volumes about the future budget but the challenges lie in its ability to pool resources to fulfil its high goal of economic growth. More than one and a half months into office, the government has taken a series of measures to boost revenues, cut unnecessary spending and spur reforms by unveiling eight ordinances.  

On Tuesday, the Lower House unanimously approved a proposal to consider the Alternative Development Finance Mobilisation Bill, 2082, which seeks to explore investment sources for development and infrastructure projects. Given that the country's economy is not in a good shape, it is imperative for the current government to mobilise alternative financial resources to expedite development and infrastructure building. The proposed Bill is expected to improve returns by incorporating multiple financial dimensions and strengthening institutional good governance, according to Minister for Finance, Dr. Swarnim Wagle. The government aims to achieve 7 per cent growth and create $100 billion economy in a decade. This is an ambitious target but not impossible if all resources are aptly mobilised by fully controlling corruption. 

Lawmakers, who spoke in the House meeting, called for incorporating their views in the policy document so as to make it inclusive and comprehensive. The government needs to listen to their calls for effective governance, stronger democratic practices and policies capable of addressing public expectations. In a democracy, the voice of opposition is respected when it comes to strengthening the democratic system, good governance and nation-building initiatives. Their concerns about soaring inflation, corruption, poverty and the difficulties facing the vulnerable communities are genuine and hence, must be addressed. 

Meanwhile, the upcoming budget will primarily focus on implementing the RSP's commitment paper presented before the people during the March 5 elections. Speaking at the Finance Committee of the parliament, Minister Dr. Wagle said budgetary arrangements would be made to fulfil the ruling party's electoral pledge. The Finance Ministry has already sent budget 'ceilings' to the ministries for the purpose. It has so far completed more than 300 tasks that are directed to pursue reforms in the economic sector. The government will present the principles and priorities of the budget at the parliament on Thursday. The ongoing budget session must live up to the public expectations. For this, the opposition forces need to offer constructive criticisms of government's policy as well as rational support to it. They should also show the way how the budget can be effectively executed. If they always indulge in protest for the sake of protests, the people's mandate will be betrayed and their hopes shattered.