CNI holds 3rd edition of 'Budget Watch' initiative

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) organised the third edition of 'Budget Watch' initiative, aimed at providing creative support to the government in budget implementation.

CNI organised the inaugural special programme of this year on Wednesday, publishing a booklet covering topics related to the economy and the private sector as announced in the budget for the current fiscal year 2024/25.

Lila Devi Gadtaula, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, was the chief guest at the event, which was attended by secretaries, joint secretaries, director generals from various departments, high-ranking government officials, industrialists, and media personnel.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary Gadtaula emphasised the importance of effective implementation of the budget. She highlighted that CNI's Budget Watch initiative supports the government and agencies, and expected better implementation this year compared to previous fiscal years.

Addressing the programme, CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal emphasised that successful budget implementation will enhance capital expenditure, achieve budget goals, drive overall economic growth through policy reforms, and foster a self-reliant economy. CNI has collaborated with the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) to play a constructive role in the country's economic development.

SEJON Immediate Past President Janardan Baral said that out of 73 points related to the private sector in last year's budget, 18 points (25%) have been fully implemented, while 51 points (70%) have seen partial implementation. Unfortunately, 4 points (5%) have made no progress.

CNI Vice President Birendra Raj Pandey presented details on budget arrangements for the current fiscal year and emphasised the necessary steps for effective implementation of budget.

Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) Secretary Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Secretary Keshab Kumar Sharma, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Secretary Ganesh Prasad Pandey, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) Secretary Radhika Arayal, joint secretaries, director generals, high-ranking government officials, industrialists, and journalists attend the event.

The CNI Budget Watch program facilitates public-private dialogue and aims to ensure successful implementation of policies and programs directly related to the private sector and economy, as outlined in the government's budget.