'I delivered a realistic budget, not a popular one,' says Finance Minister Paudel
KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said that the budget for upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 is realistic.
At a discussion organised by the Economic Media Society Nepal (EMSON) on the budget for upcoming fiscal year, Finance Minister Paudel said the budget has been prepared based on reality rather than for popularity.
"As a Finance Minister representing the CPN (UML) there is a perception that I will introduce a popular budget, but this time I have tried to deliver a realistic budget rather than seeking popularity," said Minister Paudel. He added that the budget is focused on maintaining fiscal discipline, expanding the scope of resource management and controlling expenditure.
He claimed that the budget has been presented to boost private sector morale and to widen areas of investment. It will add impetus to the economy, increase production and create employment.
Stating that he had become optimistic from the feedback received on the budget, Finance Minister Paudel said that his duty is now to ensure its implementation. "I will focus on fulfilling the objectives set by the budget," he said.
National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chairman Dr Shiv Raj Adhikari said that the budget for upcoming fiscal year is a tool for restructuring the economy and that, if it is implemented, the target of 6% economic growth will be met.
Former Finance Ministers Prakash Sharan Mahat and Janardan Sharma, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Former Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal and other speakers shared their opinions on the budget for the next fiscal year, which was unveiled by the government on May 29.
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