KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress lawmaker Sandeep Rana has said that an ambitious budget without adequate resource backing could increase public disappointment.
Speaking at a pre-budget discussion programme organized by the Institute of Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR) at Durbar Marg on Wednesday, MP Rana said citizens had high expectations from the government, particularly from the finance minister who carries an economist’s image, but the proposed budget fails to provide a clear foundation for building a self-reliant economy.
He said the budget does not adequately address key areas such as balancing imports and exports and boosting production and employment. “There is a huge gap between the size of the budget and available resources,” he said.
Rana also drew a comparison from his childhood experience, saying the government had presented a budget that resembles borrowing expenses in anticipation of uncertain future income.
“I grew up in a village. We were not given regular pocket money for snacks. Some friends would bring food to school before the Dashain holidays, and we would eat saying we would pay back with the Dashain allowance. If the allowance didn’t come, it became difficult to repay. That sometimes even created problems in friendships,” he said.
He said budgets based on uncertain resources risk raising hopes among citizens but eventually leading to disappointment if results are not delivered. He also urged the government to take this concern seriously.
MP Rana further said he had repeatedly tried to provide suggestions and engage in discussions on the budget, but his concerns had not been addressed. He added that the Nepali Congress would support the government on positive initiatives but would continue to raise its voice against decisions that go against national interest.
Referring to the ongoing parliamentary obstruction, he urged the Speaker to create an environment for the smooth operation of the House. “If the Honorable Speaker resumes the House, we are also ready to discuss and pass the budget in the interest of the country,” he said.
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