KATHMANDU: Deliberations on the annual estimate (budget) of revenue and expenditure of the government for the fiscal year 2022/23 have been completed at the House of Representatives today.
Finance Minister Janardan Sharma will respond to the queries raised by MPs on the budget tomorrow.
In the meeting, Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota informed that the discussion on the annual estimate (budget) of revenue and expenditure for the fiscal year 2022/23 has been completed and the answer to the questions raised will be given the Finance Minister in the meeting to be held on June 3.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives will be held at 11 am on June 3.
Finance Minister seeks support to build self-reliant economy
Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has urged all sides concerned to extend support for building self-reliant and socialism-oriented economy. He claimed that government brought the budget in a way all sides, including private sectors could feel ownership.
He said it during a programme organized jointly by Nepal Economic Association, CNI and Finance Ministry here Thursday. Minister Sharma assured, “The budget was prepared based on the suggestion and recommendation of concerned stakeholders. It has reflected your aspirations. I just presented it as your representation.” He also said he brought the budget by addressing as much issues as possible.
On the occasion, Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini viewed although country’s economy has witnessed stress, budget for the coming year was brought with comparative study. “Budget is also a political and economic document, so it carries some ambitious targets. If we’re committed to working as per budget target, we can realize it in practice in view of the resources and potentials we have,” he observed.
Senior advisor to the Finance Ministry, Dr Surendra Uprety, also seconded the Minister that all stakeholders could feel ownership on budget.
Association Chairperson and noted economist Prof Bishwambhar Pyakurel said though the budget was good overall, it may be difficult to collect target revenue. The loan has upped from 36 percent to 44.5 percent, he added.
Other economists Dr Poshraj Pande and Prof Dr Govind Nepal said budget was inclusive and transformative.
