Himal Press 
BUTWAL: Despite strong criticism from lawmakers within the ruling coalition itself, the Lumbini Provincial Assembly on Wednesday passed the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2026/27 by a majority vote.
The 17th meeting of the provincial assembly, held under its eighth session, endorsed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Dhanendra Karki had tabled a proposal seeking approval of the Appropriation Bill, which authorizes the allocation and expenditure of funds from the provincial consolidated fund for various services and programs in the new fiscal year, which begins on July 17.
Speaker Tularam Gharti put the proposal to a vote and declared that it has been passed by a majority.
Earlier, deliberations on the Appropriation Bill had been stalled for nearly two weeks due to protests from lawmakers of the ruling parties—CPN-UML and Nepali Congress.
Ruling party lawmakers had voiced strong dissatisfaction during provincial assembly meetings, accusing the chief minister and ministers of disproportionately allocating funds to their own districts and constituencies.
The provincial government has unveiled a budget of Rs 37.38 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Of the total budget, Rs 11.11 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Rs 22.71 billion has been earmarked for capital spending.
Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers during the discussions, Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya said the budget was formulated by incorporating the sentiments of all stakeholders.
