Pokhara: The Gandaki Province Government has introduced a budget of Rs 31.98 billion for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS. Economic Affairs Minister of Gandaki Province, Dr. Takraj Gurung, presented the budget to the province assembly on Sunday. The budget allocates Rs 12.63 billion for current expenditure and Rs 19.9 billion for capital expenditure. An additional Rs 250 million is earmarked for fiscal management, as stated by Economic Affairs Minister Dr. Gurung.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Dr. Gurung outlined that the province would receive Rs 7.73 billion in fiscal equalization grants from the federal government, Rs 9.79 billion from revenue distribution, and Rs 499 million from royalty distribution. Conditional grants will provide Rs 3.35 billion, equalization grants Rs 639 million, special grants Rs 498 million, and internal revenue collection Rs 5.45 billion. The remaining Rs 1.75 billion is expected to be covered by an internal loan.
Minister Dr. Gurung has earmarked Rs 11.98 billion for the Ministry for Physical Infrastructure Development and Transport Management, Rs 2.8 billion for the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Management, and Rs 842 million for the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Additionally, Rs 1.15 billion has been allocated for the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Rs 2.39 billion for the Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports, Rs 3.32 billion for the Ministry of Health, and Rs 3.88 billion for the Ministry of Energy, Water Resource, and Drinking Water.
A sum of Rs 100 million has been set aside for the Province Disaster Management Fund. Minister Dr. Gurung expressed hope that the budget would ensure employment opportunities and income growth through sustainable economic growth, quality and modern infrastructure development, skilled and productive human capital development in technology, and promotion of good governance through quality public service delivery.