Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle Emphasizes Good Governance and Expansion of the Middle Class as Top Priorities

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated that the government has placed good governance and the expansion of the middle class at the forefront of its priorities. He highlighted that the losses from ‘missing GDP’ due to poor governance have been extremely significant and emphasized that sustainable economic growth is impossible without good governance. The minister elaborated that the government aims to economically uplift the poor, laborers, farmers, and landless, thereby broadening the middle class base. (5 Jestha, Kathmandu)

Responding to questions from National Assembly members regarding the principles and priorities of the upcoming fiscal year’s appropriations bill, Minister Wagle reiterated that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without good governance. While acknowledging a shared national objective and goal of nation-building, he noted that the National Independent Party holds differing views on the pathways and methods to achieve these aims.

Reflecting on the past three decades, the minister remarked that the country has paid a heavy price due to governance and policy styles that have led to inefficiency. He described the ‘missing GDP’ resulting from slow decision-making processes and policy uncertainties as incalculable in its damage. “Our highest priority is good governance. Initiatives such as e-governance, digital delivery, and performance agreements are not merely technological upgrades but form the foundation for transforming the culture of state operations,” Wagle explained.

Minister Wagle also affirmed the government’s commitment to curbing corruption, intermediary mechanisms, and institutional exploitation. He emphasized that the government envisions not only a state that spends but also a state that delivers services effectively. Clarifying the concept of middle-class expansion raised by lawmakers, he stressed that this is not a program aimed at benefiting a limited group. Instead, the goal is to economically uplift poor, laborers, farmers, and landless communities to expand the middle class segment.

“We do not believe in equal distribution of poverty; rather, we seek to link social justice with economic advancement to ensure citizens’ upward social mobility,” the finance minister added. He urged everyone not to doubt the commitment to the constitution, reminding that there are provisions to make necessary legal reforms within the existing constitutional framework. Furthermore, he underscored that as the unified successor institution of the state, the current government honors obligations created by previous administrations.