'Tourism, skill development, re-operating defunct industries should be emphasised in upcoming budget'

KATHMANDU: Parliamentarians have suggested that the upcoming fiscal year's budget should focus on sports tourism, the development of traditional skills, and the revival of defunct industries, among other things.

During a pre-budget report discussion in the National Assembly's Committee for Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance in Kathmandu, they urged the government to prevent 'labour drain', hold discussions on budget clearance, and conserve indigenous and native seeds.

Kamala Pant, Chairperson of the Committee, expressed disappointment that many ministries had not fully utilised their budgets, with the majority of spending focused on remuneration, allowances, and construction works. She raised concerns about climate finance, social security, and good governance.

Rojnath Pandey, Secretary of the Committee, presented the report, suggesting that the entire budget should be responsive to issues such as climate change, gender, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlighted violations of fiscal discipline by government agencies due to the lack of budget coding in all three tiers of government in accordance with the SDGs. It also pointed out issues such as the inability to spend the budget despite allocation and unauthorised budget transfers in public offices.

Pandey called on the government to increase revenue by clearing arrears, investigating misappropriation in revenue collection, and expanding the tax base.

Parliamentarian Urmila Aryal argued that the upcoming budget should prioritise strengthening industries. She noted that the recent third Investment Summit had focused mainly on hydro power and the tourism sector, and advocated for the revival of defunct industries.

Krishna Prasad Poudel expressed concern over the increasing number of Nepalis seeking foreign employment, describing it as a 'labour drain' rather than a 'brain drain'. He highlighted the lack of proper labour records and the exploitation of labourers by commercial establishments, who are not receiving minimum wages. He also noted the increasing student dropout rate and emphasised the need to retain them in schools.

Similarly, Bamdev Gautam stressed the need to create a conducive environment for domestic production, with an emphasis on mass production, construction, and scientific research.

Likewise, Jhakku Prasad Subedi asserted the importance of identifying priorities, highlighting the significant potential in the country's hydropower sector and advocating for investment in this area, arguing that it would yield quick results. 

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