Secretary Pudasaini Details Prioritization Process in Budget Preparation

Infrastructure Development Secretary Bishwababu Pudasaini has informed that the upcoming year’s budget preparation is progressing with a focus on completing ongoing projects without source agreements, based on priority. He stated that projects with 60–75 percent completion will be given the highest priority, and approximately NPR 200 million will be required to complete around 600 projects.

Secretary Pudasaini shared this information during a discussion on budget preparations at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee. He noted, “In the past, various projects were carried out without securing sources based on budgets obtained through consumer committees.” He also mentioned that the Ministry of Finance has been informed about the NPR 200 million needed for the 600 projects.

The ministry proposed increasing the total budget ceiling to NPR 1.5 billion after requesting at least NPR 200 million for new programs and DPR preparations across 77 districts; however, Secretary Pudasaini revealed that the Ministry of Finance has indicated only an additional NPR 50 million would be allocated.

Providing details on drinking water projects, Secretary Pudasaini explained that approximately 4,800 projects have been registered in the Project Bank. Prioritization will be based on demands received from local levels, progress status, and project necessity. He also conveyed that projects with limited budgets and minimal progress will be included in the plan for the upcoming year.