Kathmandu: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has emphasized the importance of a participatory approach in the budget-making process. Addressing questions from lawmakers regarding the upcoming fiscal year’s budget during today’s House of Representatives meeting, Minister Pandey advocated for a trend in selecting plans that involves community participation and prioritization, ensuring that budget allocation aligns with these inputs.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Pandey committed to taking initiative for the implementation of all plans under his ministry, noting that records of these plans are maintained systematically. He revealed that the ministry’s budget has been allocated to all districts except Manang and Rukum Paschim. Additionally, Pandey highlighted the allocation for developing seven hill stations across seven provinces, with plans to involve the private sector in these developments.
Minister Pandey also discussed the progress of the much-anticipated Nijgadh Airport, stating that both its construction and operational modalities would be advanced concurrently. Furthermore, Rs 580 million has been earmarked for special programs in ten underprivileged districts.
He mentioned that there is a shift in focus towards policy and structural reforms, with the culture policy in its final drafting stage, and the tourism and civil aviation policies currently being drafted.