KATHMANDU, April 28: The main opposition Nepali Congress has opposed the government’s preparations to announce annual policies and programs without holding the pre-budget discussion.

A meeting of the NC’s parliamentary party held at Singha Durbar on Sunday concluded that the annual pre-budget discussion is a regular parliamentary practice and it must be held this year too.

“As per our parliamentary tradition, the parliamentarians first present their views at the pre-budget session and subsequently government presents its policies and program. Accordingly, policies and programs are incorporated in the annual fiscal year budget. But, it seems that the incumbent government is trying to bypass the parliament by not holding the pre-budget session,” NC’s Chief Whip Balkrishna Khad told reporters.

It undermines the existing parliamentary practices if the government does not hold the pre-budget session, he said.

“We would be forced to launch stern protest if the government did not hold the pre-budget session as per the prevailing parliamentary practices,” Khad added.

The NC parliamentary party meeting has also accused the government of behaving in an autocratic manner like during the direct regime of Former King Gyanendra and causing distress to the citizens.

 
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