Nepal Budget: Managing Resources vs Meeting Expectations

Minister for Finance Dr Swarnim Wagle is presenting the annual estimation of government’s expenditure and income or the Budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2026/27 in the joint meeting of federal parliament today.

As per the constitutional provision of unveiling the national budget in the parliament on Jestha 15, the estimates of annual income and expenditure of the government are to be presented in the joint session this afternoon.

Laying emphasis on revitalizing the economy, boosting up confidence of the private sector, increasing capital spending and expanding employment opportunities, the government is preparing to unveil the budget presumably from Rs 1890 to Rs 2000 billion, a senior official at the Finance Minster stated.

The official added the budget would focus on promoting good governance and economic revitalization. It may be noted that the National Planning Commission had set the budget ceiling of Rs 1890 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.

Considering difficulty to prepare the budget within the limits set by the NPC, the National Revenue Estimates Committee had increased the ceiling upon the government’s request for review.

It is reported that the budget was prepared based on the government’s 100-point action plan for governance reform, government policies and programmes, and the priorities and principles of the Appropriation Bill presented in parliament.

It is stated that inputs and deliberations made by lawmakers in both Houses of the Federal Parliament, the government’s good governance roadmap, economic reforms, production boost and service delivery were placed at the centre of the budget.

Discussions indicate that the budget will include increase in the government employee salary, review of some tax rates, industry-business-friendly policies, and programmes to encourage productive sectors.

Priority has been given to information technology, small and medium enterprises, and investment promotion, it is shared. (RSS)