Discussion Begins on Fiscal Year 2083/84 Budget in Gandaki Provincial Assembly
4 Ashar, Pokhara – The Gandaki Provincial Assembly has commenced discussions on the provincial government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. In Thursday’s session, Minister for Economic Affairs Jitbahadur Sherchan presented a motion to initiate debate on the budget.
Participating in the discussion, Assembly member Ashokkumar Shrestha highlighted a positive shift compared to previous budgets, noting a reduction in recurrent expenditure and an increase in capital expenditure. He emphasized the importance of implementing programs outlined in the budget such as employment generation, investment promotion, and agricultural commercialization.
Assembly member Lilbahadur Thapa Magar stated that efforts are being made to prepare the budget based on citizen demands and needs. He also suggested that the government should reduce recurrent expenses and stressed the need to establish a systematic process for budget formulation and distribution.
Assembly member Reshambadur Jugjali pointed out that the provincial government has been unable to enhance internal revenue capabilities, which has resulted in the necessity to prepare a deficit budget. He called for accelerating the construction of the Lokahakhola and Punditar industrial zones, which have been announced for years.
Assembly member Bindu Paudel noted that significant programs such as ‘Return to Village’ focused on economic productivity and employment generation have been included in the budget. She urged the timely utilization of the capital budget to prevent unspent funds at the end of the fiscal year.
Assembly member Parvati Tamang remarked that the budget has been prepared based on the government’s policies and programs, and highlighted its positive focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, employment generation, and investment promotion. Assembly members Sitakumari Sundas, Mahesh Bhattarai, Bhaktbahadur Kunwar, among others, also shared their views during the budget discussion. –RASAS