Gandaki Province holding pre-budget discussions

The Gandaki Province government has begun pre-budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year, 2083/84. 

The principles and priorities of the budget are dwelt on during the deliberations. 

The provincial government is obliged to announce the annual budget on Ashar 1 as per Nepali calendar.

Minister for Economic Affairs Jit Bahadur Sherchan said that the principles and priorities of the budget and programs would be presented in the Province Assembly before introducing the annual budget. 

"Pre-budget discussions are going on now. The government is planning to incorporate suggestions from local levels on the budget," he said.

According to him, homework is on for introducing mega projects to contribute to the province's journey to prosperity. However, enforceability of budget would be taken into account while formulating it, he shared.

Chief of Budget Division at the Ministry Dilli Ram Rijal said that the pre-budget discussions were organized in all districts of the province except Kaski. 

"Discussions are also being held with the local levels, private sector and other stakeholders on budget formulation," he said. Thematic ministries are coordinated in this bid. 

It has been informed that the budget size this year would see slight decline. 

Last year, the Gandaki Province government had announced a budget of Rs 31.98 billion. 

As the province government has not been able to increase internal resources, it is facing stress during budget formulation.

The revenue collection has not met the target either.