“We are here to seek budget to get ourselves freed from our debt. How long we have to work as bonded laborer in this 21st century?” a frail-looking man questioned. “Our condition is no better than the kamaiyas (indentured laborers who have been emancipated now).” [break]
After listening to their woes, Nepal tried to soothe them saying that the government will take their demands seriously. “Though I am not the person to assure you financial assistance, I will bring your concern to the notice of the government,” Nepal told them.
As the date for announcement of budget for the coming fiscal year nears, the number of people visiting the finance ministry to secure budgetary allocation for different programs is increasing. According to Nepal, dozens of groups, individuals and organizations have already approached the finance ministry, demanding budget of more than Rs 10 billion to implement their proposed programs.
Most of those visiting Nepal´s office request direct disbursement of budget for their respective projects.
“But we cannot include their projects in the budget going against the budgetary procedure,” said Nepal.
According to Nepal, budget allocation has been sought for projects ranging from construction of roofs for temples to construction of bridges, financial assistance for litterateurs and emancipation of bonded farm laborers (Harua-Charua).
Crowds frequenting the finance ministry is increasing with each passing year as people want to take fast track mode to get the fund rather than presenting their demands through local bodies.
In the past, finance ministers used to allocate budget worth hundreds of millions of rupees to implement programs using their financial prerogative bowing to pressure from their henchmen and party workers.
“We have to end such ill practice from this time,” said Nepal.
Even the public enterprises have demanded around Rs 250 million. The government has already provided around Rs 140 million as loans to four loss-making public enterprises (PEs) over the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
Hari Sharan Pudasaini, under-secretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), said the government lent Rs 25.3 million to Nepal Drugs Limited (NDL), Rs 52.5 million to Gorakhkali Rubber Factory, Rs 56.6 million for Janakpur Cigarette Factory (JCF) and Rs 1.5 million for Nepal Metal Company (NMC) during the period.
Similarly, it provided Rs 3 million each to Nepal Oriend Magnesite Company (NOMC) and Nepal Productivity and Economic Development Center (NPEDC).
Related story
Local leaders lobbying for poll candidacy
