UML stresses on rural development in the new budget
A constituent in the ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA), Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has proposed that the new budget should focus on the development of the rural areas and maintenance of infrastructure ruined during the decade- long armed conflict.
The suggestions for the forthcoming fiscal year were made public at a function organized at the UML party office on Wednesday include massive increase in the grants provided to VDCs and reduction of budget for the royal palace and security agencies.
The party said the new budget should emphasize on financial support to the ailing small industries, rehabilitation of the displaced people and reduction of recurrent additional expenditure of the government. The party further said the government must reduce expenditure on parties, foreign visits, grants or awards and recurring expenditure of various ministries and departments. It has also demanded clamp down on non-budgetary expenditure.
"The government must be strict towards collection of revenue to meet the set target," a statement issued by the UML said. This year, the government has revised downwards the revenue collection target by more than Rs 8 billion.
The party further said that the foreign grants and loans should be accepted only when they match with the national priority programmes set by the government.
It has suggested for financial and other kinds of support to the people injured during the people's movement and family members of the martyrs along with insurance facilities.
The party proposed interest-less monetary support between Rs 40,000 and Rs 200,000 to the people hit hard by the internal conflict over the last 10 years.
Bharat Mohan Adhikary, former Finance Minister and chief of party's planning and research division, said the government must exempt marginalized farmers of their debt and initiate works towards establishing suburban cities to develop markets for local produce.
The party has demanded land and housing for freed Kamaiyas.
The party says the government must invite joint venture investment in Tamakoshi and Upper Karnali hydro power projects ands develop new small and medium sized plants to meet increasing demands for power in the country.
The party also asked the government to bring a special economic package for the development of Karnali region.
The party has asked the government to hold discussion with all parties including the Maoists before giving final shape to the budget for the new fiscal year that commences on July 17. "The budget must meet the expectation and address the aspiration of the people in the new circumstances," Adhikary said. nepalnews.com ia Jun 28 06
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