Lawmakers urge govt to cut on unnecessary expenditure, reconsider redundant structures

Lawmakers in the National Assembly, the Upper House of the Federal Parliament, have suggested the government cut down on redundant expenditure and to review the unnecessary structures in the upcoming budget.

Taking part in the deliberation on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill (Except Tax Proposal) for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 in a session of the Upper House today, they viewed that the present economic crisis cannot be resolved without cutting down on the unnecessary expenses at the governmental level and reviewing the unnecessary structures. Jag Prasad Sharma said a ‘big surgery’ was required on the nation’s economy to improve the present economic situation full of challenges.

He stressed on the need of sustainable utilisation of the human, land, forest and herbal resources for improving the economy. He also called for a review of the laws, regulations and structures standing as obstacles for economic growth. Devendra Dahal said as per the economic projection of the current fiscal year the revenue collection is likely to reduce by Rs 300 billion than the target and wanted to know from the government as to which programmes are under the axe in the next fiscal year’s budget. He also said it looks like the capital expenditure will be only 50 percent.

Dahal called attention of the government towards the urgent need of improving the economy by taking drastic measures for checking the rampant corruption. He welcomed the priority given to agriculture, industries and entrepreneurs in the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill. He queried the Finance Minister on the government’s plan of reducing unnecessary expenses, curbing unnecessary foreign junkets by government officials and measures to put a tab on corruption as well as mismanagement.

Saying Nepal’s economy is in crisis along with the world due to COVID, Russia-Ukraine war, lawmaker Anita Devkota stressed the need of cutting unnecessary spending and projects. She opined that a time has come to review regarding the unnecessary structures that the state cannot afford. Suggesting putting agriculture, energy, industry and tourism in priority to get the economy back on track, Devkota shared there would be no improvement in current economic condition until subjects of luxury is minimized.

Likewise, Jayantidevi Rai pointed out the need of increasing production and employment and connecting education with employment to make budget of coming fiscal year fully implementable. She said that a provision should be made through the coming budget for the market by branding home-grown products and technology. Stating that the upcoming budget should give priority to agriculture, Tul Prasad Bishwokarma, opined that country’s economic condition could not be improved until modernization and mechanization.

He also demanded to bring a special arrangement for the protection of skill and art of Dalit community. Similarly, Khimlal Devkota demanded to end the trend of allocating more budget in constituencies of top and influential leaders every year. He raised the question how good governance is established in the country as federal civil service act has not been brought even though it has already been nine years since the promulgation of constitution.

Lawmakers—Indira Devi Gautam, Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, Taraman Swar, Bimala Ghimire, Bina Pokhrel, among others expressed their views on principles and priorities of Appropriation Bill on the occasion.