Kathmandu: The Finance Ministry has engaged in discussions with the leadership and officials of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation concerning the annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year. During this meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel emphasized the importance of prioritizing policy transformation over a large budget allocation.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Finance Minister Paudel highlighted that budget allocation should focus on strengthening intergovernmental relations and partnerships, as well as the proper handover of programs and projects from the federal government to provincial and local governments. He expressed concerns that federalism would not be effectively institutionalized if tasks meant for provincial and local governments continued to be managed by the federal government.
Furthermore, Paudel advised officials to review all existing programs and projects within the ministry, urging them to concentrate on federal projects and to adapt these initiatives to the current context. He also directed the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation not to include projects with a budget less than Rs 30 million, insisting that a more objective approach be adopted.
Finance Minister Paudel concluded by stating that the forthcoming budget would be disciplined and realistic, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of the people and the nation’s needs while taking into consideration the available means and resources.