Ex-finance ministers suggest revising priorities of Appropriation Bill

KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Vice Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudel has called upon the government to revise the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill. 

Former Deputy Prime Minister Paudel argued that the current principles and priorities of the bill are insufficient to guide the nation's economy towards socialism and prosperity. Paudel, who has also served as the finance minister, made these remarks during a parliamentary debate on the principles and priorities of the appropriation bill set for the upcoming fiscal year. He stressed that the national economy must be revived from its slump.

In a similar vein, Janardan Sharma, a leader of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Finance Minister, called for a revision of the bill so that the budget would lay the groundwork for socialism.

Furthermore, Swarnim Wagle, Vice President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), expressed the view that clear development priorities should be reflected in the forthcoming budget. He criticised the scattered priorities of the appropriation bill, arguing that they should be focused on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He also highlighted the importance of courage and commitment to industrialisation and a green economy.