All seven provinces presenting annual budgets today

KATHMANDU: All seven provincial governments are set to present their annual budgets for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 today (Sunday), in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The Constitution mandates that the federal government present its budget on Jestha 15, provincial governments on Asar 1, and local governments after Asar 10.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the provinces are expected to announce a combined budget totaling approximately Rs 278.70 billion.

Province-wise details:

Koshi Province is prioritizing agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure in its new budget. Last year, it had announced a budget of Rs 35.27 billion. The upcoming budget is expected to range between Rs 35 and 40 billion, according to sources from the provincial Ministry of Finance.

Similarly, Madhes Province is preparing a larger budget than last year’s Rs 43.89 billion, reflecting an expansion in planned programs and expenditures.

Likewise, Bagmati Province plans to increase its budget by about 5% compared to the current fiscal year’s Rs 64.54 billion. Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Kundan Kafle is scheduled to present the budget at 3 p.m. today in the provincial assembly in Hetauda.

Gandaki Province is set to reduce its budget by around Rs 1 billion compared to the current fiscal year. Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Tankraj Gurung will present the budget at 4 p.m.

SImilarly, Lumbini Province will present its budget at 3 p.m. through Minister for Economic Affairs Dhanendra Karki. Last year, the province had announced a budget of Rs 38.97 billion. This year’s budget is expected to be similar in size.

Karnali Province is also preparing to present a budget roughly equivalent to last year’s Rs 31.41 billion.

Sudurpaschim Province will present its budget today as well. Last year, the province had allocated Rs 31.53 billion.

These budget announcements mark a key step in the annual fiscal process and are expected to focus on economic recovery, infrastructure development, and sectoral priorities specific to each province.