Currently, the principles and priorities of the appropriated bill are being discussed in the House of Representatives. The budget is scheduled to be presented in Parliament on May 15. I would like to draw the attention of the Minister of Finance to allocate the budget in the following areas of strategic importance in the budget for the coming financial year 2082/83:

1.     Connecting northern border of strategic importance with China: Under the framework agreement signed with China in 2017, the budget should be allocated to build at least three-four regular operational roads. It will end the three-four blockades we have experienced in our lifetime forever.

2.     Self-reliance in food: More than 251.46 billion worth of food needs to be imported from one country in one year and the agricultural system of Nepal has been strategically disrupted for this purpose. In this environment, it is necessary to bring budget allocation and managerial provisions in this budget so that Nepal becomes self-sufficient in food. For this, it is necessary for organizations that buy food from the state fund to consume indigenous food and for the municipalities to choose agricultural crops that are successfully produced in their municipality and ensure that they purchase products through groups of farmers. A provision should also be made to make food availability through G-2-G agreement with these organizations.

3.     Self-reliance in energy: Another strategic tool that keeps Nepal dependent is the barrier to renewable energy development and dependence on petroleum products. Nepal cannot be self-sufficient until this situation is ended forever. It is also practically possible to become self-sufficient in renewable energy. Therefore, appropriate budget allocation is necessary in those three areas while preparing the budget for the coming year.

– Bishnuraj Upreti , Kathmandu