 |
Kathmandu Saturday July 14, 2001 Ashadh 30, 2058.
|
Budget made for
long-term economic development: FM
Post Report
KATHMANDU, July 13 - Finance Minister Dr Ram
Sharan Mahat has said that the budget estimates for fiscal year 2001/02 is not a populist
one, rather it is made in keeping with the long term economic development of the nation.
Though a populist budget gives mileage to a
politician, I have dissolved Commission for the Resolution of Landless Squatters’
Problems, Town Development Committees and many other governmental offices to maintain
fiscal discipline and to attain the goal of economic development, said FM Mahat.
He was speaking at a post budget discussion
program organized by Centre for Public Policy Dialogue (CPPD) here today. On the occasion,
Finance Minister added that he has also curtailed the financial rights of public
enterprises and has cut the number of development projects.
Dr Mahat also informed the gathering that all
necessary arrangements have been made for the effective implementation of the budget and
urged all to be assured.
The economic condition has not deteriorated
beyond repair. Therefore, I request all to contribute to strengthen the national economy
from their respective fields.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-chairman of
National Planning Commission Prithvi Raj Ligal said that the budget addresses the economic
problems of the country.
However, economist Dr Bishwombhar Pyakurel
said that the budget has not incorporated the commitments made by the government to
various foreign donor agencies in different international forums. He also said that the
budget is not made as per the concept of multi-year budget.
Dr Parthiveshwor Timilsina expressed the
views that as the budget has brought all targeted programs of poverty alleviation under
one umbrella, their implementation would be effective.
Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, President of
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) welcomed the budget for
encompassing the recommendations of the business community,but said that the target ot
revenue mobilization is a challenging one.
Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, President of Nepal
Chamber of Commerce (NCC) appreciated the provision of reviving the sick industries, but
warned of identifying the truly ailing industries while extending support.
Chairman of CPPD, Bishwo Nath Sapkota said
that the budget has failed to reduce dependency on foreign grants. Treasurer of CPPD said
due to a lack of coordination among the government agencies revenue collection has
remained unsatisfactory.
Other Stories
|
