Govt suggested contributing to socialism oriented economy thru budget

Aarthik News

May 12, 2019, 2:52 p.m.

Kathmandu, May 12 . Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has suggested that government brought a budget that could implement the constitutional provision of socialism.

Taking part in the discussion on appropriation bill for the fiscal year 2076/77 at today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the former Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai said the government policy and programme must be clear on which approach- liberal, communist or socialist- it would internalize. Without development of national industrial capital, prosperity is not possible, he warned, arguing that traditional economy does not ensure change.

He further said although it was appreciative to have discussion on principles and priorities of budget, it should have been conducted before bringing policy and programme. According to him, economic policy based on sustainable development and social justice is imperative. He suggested the government that it incorporated the reports of the finance committee of the parliaments on budget.

Economic growth of 6.8 percent of the current fiscal year was positive, the former PM observed. Similarly, Nepal Communist Party lawmakers and former Finance Minister Surendra Pande argued that allocation of budget to the projects not having bases can not yield good result. Government must prioritize how it could invest in the productive sectors.

Only the budget that focuses on reducing unemployment and trade deficit, and creating employment would help prop up national economy, he underscored. Production of agricultural goods is equally important. Similarly, Nepali Congress lawmaker and former Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki urged the government to rise above political interest while making budget.

The budget must not be limited to slogan, but committed to sustainable development of national economy, he added. Moreover, RJP lawmaker Laxman Lal Karna suggested that industrialization of agriculture, effective operation of sick industries, identification of priority areas could be some major issues in the budget making.

Speedy economic growth with development of agriculture, tourism and energy could be focused by the coming budget, according to lawmaker Rajendra Shrestha. Lawmaker Durga Poudel viewed that the budget must set the programmes that contribute to socialism oriented economy.RSS