Principles and priorities of upcoming budget should be revised, says Poudel

KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Vice Chairperson and former finance minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has said that the principles and priorities of the upcoming budget should be revised.

Participating in the discussion on the principles and priorities of the budget for the fiscal year 2024/25 in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Poudel said it would be a waste of time to hold discussions on the principles and priorities brought by the previous government.

Former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat presented the principles and priorities of the upcoming budget in the parliament on February 26. However, he has been replaced by Barsha Man Pun of CPN (Maoist Center) with the formation of a new UML-Maoist Center alliance. Because of the change in government, the House of Representatives hadn’t been able to hold discussions on the principles and priorities of the upcoming budget.

“These principles and priorities cannot address the pressing issues of the country. Therefore, I request the new finance minister to revise the principles and priorities of the socialism-oriented budget,” Poudel said.

The House of Representatives has scheduled discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill from March 14 to 20. Finance Minister Pun is scheduled to answer questions raised by lawmakers on March 20.