KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal is facing a budget deficit of nearly Rs 250 billion as of the end of Jestha.

According to the Office of the Comptroller General, the government had collected Rs 944.59 billion in revenue but spent Rs 1,181.29 billion.

The total revenue collection, primarily from taxes, amounted to Rs 919.19 billion, which is 64.62% of the targeted Rs 1,422.54 billion for the fiscal year.

Despite the expected increase in revenue collection in the final month, meeting the target remains uncertain.

During this period, the government received Rs 2.75 billion in grants, just 5.52% of the targeted amount.

Additionally, income from various other sources totaled Rs 22.65 billion.

Operational expenses reached Rs 822.80 billion, or 72.06% of the targeted Rs 1,141.78 billion.

Capital expenditures were Rs 134.97 billion, which is 44.68% of the target of NPR 302.07 billion.

Although capital spending is expected to rise with end-of-year projects, the government has struggled to meet its capital expenditure goals.

For public debt management, the government spent Rs 223.50 billion, 72.7% of the targeted Rs 307.45 billion.

The overall fiscal budget for the current year was initially set at Rs 1,751.31 billion but was reduced by 12.62% to Rs 1,530.26 billion during a mid-year review.

Revised estimates suggest that 87.4% of the allocated budget will be spent, with current expenditures amounting to Rs 1,067.49 billion (93.5% of the allocation), capital expenditures at Rs 215.30 billion (71.3%), and financial management costs at Rs 247.55 billion (80.5%).

The revised revenue collection target is Rs 1,253.52 billion, which is 88.1% of the initial goal.

Foreign grants are expected to total Rs 34.34 billion, with foreign loans at Rs 145.44 billion.

The government plans to raise Rs 240 billion through domestic borrowing.