KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have praised the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23 AD) for its priorities to export promotion and agricultural production.
Taking part in the theoretical discussions over the budget in Thursday’s session of the House of Representatives (HoR), they said, “However, there are challenges for its implementation,” drawing the government’s attention towards that it.
Lawmaker Purna Kumari Subedi said the budget was good in overall and the programs targeting education, health, agriculture and unemployed youth force were encouraging. Subedi advised the government to come up with additional programs to conserve forest.
Another lawmaker Sarala Kumari Yadav stressed developing required infrastructure to increase export. As she said, despite the indication of economic crisis in the country, the situation was not alarming. The lawmaker added the budget prioritizing private sector and export business was positive.
Khagaraj Adhikari assessed that the budget missed a substantive plans to enhance economic sector. He said the announcement to involve private sector in the government health insurance program was wrong. He accused the incumbent government of undervaluing the development accomplishment in the past.
Similarly, Ekwal Miya took time to express concern over the fewer women participation in the recent local level elections due to an electoral alliance and over the Supreme Court verdict to suspend the construction of Nijgadh International Airport.
In view of Sitadevi Yadav, the effective implementation of the budget should be ensured. She, informing the House, said 98 types of generic medicines said to be provided free by the government were not available at health posts.
Laxman Lal Karna advised the government to come up with a law for land pooling, to ensure ample subsidy in the purchase of agricultural tools, sufficient irrigation facility of irrigation and bring a cooperative policy to make the country agriculturally self-sufficient.
Mohammad Istiyak Rai suggested challenges in the implementation of budget and complained that it failed to realize the need to upgrade the Nepalgunj Airport. He expressed his doubt over the government’s intention in regard with its decision to impose tax on electric vehicles and dry food.
Dr Shivamaya Tumbahamphe termed the budget election-centered and expressed doubts over its full implementation. She took time to demand shelter and land for landless, and homeless people.
Dibyamani Raj Ghimire appreciated the agricultural programs incorporated by the budget and demanded the timely supplies of fertilizers. He advocated for incorporating provisions required to implement the budget in the monetary policy.
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