KATHMANDU, July 9: Minister for Finance Dr Yuwaraj Khatiwada has argued that the size of the newly unveiled budget-Rs 1.315 trillion-for the fiscal year 2018/19 was appropriate and balanced in view of federal structure of the country.
Responding to the queries raised by the lawmakers in today's meeting of the National Assembly, Minister Dr Khatiwada stated that the government had ensured that the distribution of revenues and resources at local, provincial and central level were balanced.
A one-third of the total budget was allocated to the federal, provinces and local bodies.
Clarifying that the budget was not allocated on the basis on geography, the Minister shared that the attempts were made to balance the first federal budget by allocating it on the basis of population by 70 per cent and rest on other basis.
Ambitious budget, focus on jobs and federal structure
According to him, one can find out how much authority has been granted to the education and agriculture sector in provincial level by looking out in all 761 units in local, provincial and central level. The budget has adequate allocations in the agriculture sector concerning areas like irrigation, forest and environment among others, he added.
Dr Khatiwada argued that there were issues surrounding the effective implementation of budget due to the quarterly release of budget and issues surrounding its system.
Responding to a query on lack of coordination among manifesto, programmes and policies and the newly unveiled budget, he replied that the government has moved forward addressing that issue.
The Minister also clarified that the government would move ahead responsibly in the issues like lack of effective implementation of budget, and making construction entrepreneurs as accountable. RSS
