Budget far from reality

Budget far from reality

Kathmandu, 29 May: As usual, ruling party leaders have defended and opposition party leaders have criticized the budget 2020-21 presented by Finance Yubraj Khatiwada in the Parliament on 28 May.

Pushpakamal Dahal, chairman, Nepal Communist Party, has lauded the budget saying that it is well balanced, constructive and progressive.

He has termed the budget as pro-people and oriented towards socialism.

NCP senior leader Madhav Nepal has remarked that the budget is practical and time-relevant.

Nepali Congress leader Milendra Rijal has remarked that the budget has not been able to predict on the impact of coronavirus pandemic.

Rijal, also shadow finance minister, informed that NC had advised Khatiwads just to bring a budget to address the current pandemic situation, nevertheless, the Minister has undermined NC’s proposal.

As the size of economy is not going to be expand, it is difficult to meet the revenue target, Rijal said.

Mahesh Acharya, former finance minister, said that the budget is just a traditional one.

The budget has been presented as like in the normal situation at a time when the nation is passing through an abnormal situation, Acharya said.

“The prediction of 7 percent economic growth is not realistic,” he said.

NC leader Gagan Thapa also believes that the budget has not been able to calculate the adverse effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thapa, however, appreciated the government for allotting 90 billion, 690 million budget in the health sector.

Baburam Bhattarai, Socialist Party leader, said the budget won’t address the present situation.

Rajendra Lingden, general secretary, Rastriya Prajatantra Party remarked that the budget is based on hypothetical revenue gains, foreign aids and external debts, thus, it is doubtful on budget implementation.

People’s News monitoring Service