Economists’ suggestion to Prez uncalled for, says FM Pun

Barsha Man Pun

Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has raised objection to the advice given by the economists to President Ram Baran Yadav on Tuesday that only a small sized budget should be introduced given the lack of political consensus and absence of parliament.

Speaking at a function in Dhulikhel on Wednesday, FM Pun said the economists were biased in their suggestions and that a small budget would not address the immediate needs of the country.

He mentioned that the 'experts' were close to different parties and did not have common view so their suggestions would not reach far enough.

Minister Pun also made it clear that the government would come up with a full-fledged budget through ordinance on the basis of political consensus. "Ordinance is the only way to introduce the budget as we don't have the parliament right now," said he.

Minister Pun also said that the new budget will be investment friendly to both domestic and foreign investors apart from promoting employment productivity.

The government is always ready to hold discussion on the new budget with the political parties and other stakeholders for consensus, he added. nepalnews.com