Prakashchandra Pariyar: Previous Budgets Exploited Dalit Communities; Current Budget Aims at Reform

2 Ashad, Kathmandu – Prakashchandra Pariyar, Secretary of the ruling National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party, RASWAPA), highlighted that past governments exploited the Dalit community through budget allocations, whereas the current budget is oriented toward reform. Speaking during the discussions on the Appropriation Bill 2083 in the House of Representatives, Pariyar revealed how previous budgets allocated funds under the name of the Dalit Development Authority without enacting the necessary legislation, effectively deceiving the community.

He stated, “Previous governments often merely talked about budget allocations for marginalized regions and communities but engaged in deceptive practices. For instance, in the fiscal years 2081/82 and 2082/83, amounts of NPR 20 crore and NPR 50 crore were reportedly allocated. However, the necessary law to establish the Dalit Development Authority was never enacted. Consequently, not a single penny was spent. This was purely an attempt to cheat the Dalit community.”

Emphasizing that inclusive distribution alongside continuous economic growth is the main criterion, Pariyar asserted that the current budget addresses the needs of the middle class and youth. He praised the budget as reform-oriented, middle-class friendly, and youth-targeted, reflecting the sentiments of the Gen-Z generation. Among the historic and welcomed measures for the middle class, he cited doubling the tax exemption limit to NPR 1 million and reducing the highest tax rate from 39 percent to 29 percent.

Furthermore, Pariyar highlighted policy decisions such as the reduction in the number of ministries, a private sector-friendly approach, finalizing capital gains tax on the stock market, and digital AI and startup packages that have ignited enthusiasm among the younger generation. He noted that the budget incorporates many initiatives addressing poverty reduction and social security, including a provision to grant NPR 1,000 nutrition allowance to 313,000 Dalit children, serving as a key example.

Additionally, he commended programs aimed at preserving traditional skills of the Dalit community, managing landless squatters, and implementing model homestays in Dalit settlements across Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces.