“The government, whoever leads it, must prepare the budget in consultation with all the major parties,” said central committee member Dr Ram Sharan Mahat. [break]
“NC will play proactive role and push for timely unveiling of budget.”
Deputy PM and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari has been requesting all political parties to support the government for timely budget. However, officials express doubt on timely budget as the five- point agreement signed on May 28 has raised confusion on the government´s fate.
In the deal, the Prime Minister has agreed to pave the way for national consensus government.
“Politically, this government is already in caretaker mode. But it can start consultations with all major parties on the new budget. We will strongly back its initiatives,” said Dr Mahat.
Dr Mahat, who himself is a former finance minister, said that the political parties should build consensus on budget and create environment for its timely announcement, even if they have differences over the structure and shape of the new government. He, however, ruled out the chances of the government preparing budget unilaterally, and asked Adhikari to instantly step up consultation with all major parties.
Experts and private sector too have been urging the government to instantly build understanding with different political parties to unveil a full-fledged budget on time.
If the government failed to come up with the budget on time this year as well, which if happened will make it the third year in a row; they have cautioned that the economy will face dire consequences.
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has said such unfortunate situation will erode private sector´s confidence, further waning performances of the key economic sector.
Experts, meanwhile, have cautioned that the absence of timely budget will affect development works and hurt macro-economic stability.
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