POKHARA: The Gandaki Province government has started pre-budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 BS, focusing on setting the principles and priorities of the annual budget.
As per the constitutional arrangement, the province is required to present its annual budget on Asar 1 (mid-June). Minister for Economic Affairs Jit Bahadur Sherchan said the government will first present the budget principles and priorities in the Provincial Assembly before tabling the full budget.
“Pre-budget discussions are currently underway. We are planning to incorporate suggestions from local levels into the budget,” he said, adding that preparations are also being made to introduce major projects aimed at supporting the province’s economic growth.
Sherchan further noted that the feasibility and implementation capacity of proposed programmes will be carefully considered during budget formulation.
Chief of the Budget Division at the Ministry, Dilli Ram Rijal, said consultations have been conducted in all districts of the province except Kaski. He added that discussions are also being held with local governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders, with coordination from thematic ministries.
According to officials, the upcoming budget size is expected to see a slight decrease compared to the previous year. Last year, the Gandaki Province government announced a budget of Rs 31.98 billion. However, weak internal revenue generation and shortfalls in meeting collection targets have created pressure during the formulation process.
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