- Sunday, 9 November 2025
Kathmandu, May 29: The annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for coming fiscal year 2025/26 has been presented in the Federal Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel is currently presenting the budget for coming fiscal year in the joint sitting of the Federal Parliament started at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwar.
There is a legal provision that the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for next fiscal year should be presented in Parliament on Jeth 15 every year.
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Unity, collaboration among pro-republic forces imperative: Maoist Centre Chair
Kathmandu, May 29: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) former Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said it is the duty of the true republicans to steadfastly stand in support of the federal democratic republican system and forward-looking change.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Republic Day-2082 BS today, he stated that the unity between the pro-change forces for the defence, exercise, and development of the republic and the cooperation between democratic forces is imperative.
The Maoist Centre Chair said that political parties need to focus on fulfilling the task of transforming the economic, social, and cultural life of the Nepali people in accordance with the changed governance system by implementing the fundamental rights granted by the republican constitution.
“The establishment of the republic is based on the historical people’s movement carried out with the conscious initiative of the Maoists and the participation of the oppressed masses, as well as the cooperation of other republican forces,” he said, adding that the pro-republic forces should firmly stand in favour of the republic and the change fighting against the status quoits and retrograde activities.
Chairman Dahal has wished that Republic Day inspires the campaign to change the condition of the people by focusing on the development of republican thinking, style, and behavior, along with a strong unity and cooperation among republican forces.
On this occasion, he has paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the people’s war for the establishment of the republic and has expressed respect for the sacrifice and dedication of those missing and injured combatants.
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10- Republic achieved through people’s struggle: Former President Bhandari
Kathmandu, May 29: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that Nepal’s transition to a federal republic is the result of the tremendous and tireless efforts of its citizens.
Extending her best wishes via social media on the occasion of Republic Day, the former President described the republic as a historic political achievement. She emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all citizens to further institutionalize and strengthen this system.She called one and all to contribute to keeping republic norms and values and its ideologies intact from their respective quarters. She added, “This political transformation has paved the way for accelerating socio-economic development.
It serves as an inspiration for us to strive for excellence in various sectors, including education, health, information technology, and infrastructure.”She further urged for unified efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the people for a prosperous nation.
Nepal’s first female head of state expressed her hope that Republic Day would inspire the government, all political parties, and relevant institutions to launch a broader campaign to empower the country, including in the economic sphere.
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11- International Sagarmatha Day: ‘Sagarmatha is pride of the world’
Kathmandu, May 29: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said Sagarmatha, the world’s highest peak, is the pride of the whole world.
Addressing a programme organized at local Basantapur on the occasion of the International Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) Day here this morning, Minister Pandey emphasized that everyone involved should actively work to enhance awareness for the conservation and promotion of Sagarmatha and attract tourists from around the world to Nepal.
“Sagarmatha is our identity and pride, and the world has also been proud of it. By successfully organizing the Sagarmatha Sambaad recently to establish the country’s identity through the highest peak on Earth, we have made the global community aware of the problems faced by the country due to climate change. The melting of Everest’s snow affects not only Nepal and the Himalayan region but the entire planet. The dialogue was useful in highlighting that this is not only a problem for Nepal,” he said on the occasion.
On the occasion of the International Sagarmatha Day, a morning procession was organized at Thamel, where there is considerable movement of tourists.
Among those present at the event were Minister Pandey, Officiating Tourism Secretary Indu Ghimire, Director General of the Tourism Department Narayan Regmi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board Deepak Raj Joshi, as well as tourism entrepreneurs, representatives from tourism-related organizations, government officials, security agencies, and the members of the general public.
Before that, a wreath was offered at the life-size statue of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillarylocated in the premises of the Nepal Tourism Board.
The International Sagarmatha Day is marked on May 29 every year in commemoration of the successful ascent of Mount Everest by the Nepali Sherpa and Hillary for the first time on May 29, 1953.
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12- Foreign Affairs Minister Rana in Hong Kong
Kathmandu, May 29: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has reached Hong Kong today.
Leading a Nepali delegation, Minister Rana left for Hong Kong on Wednesday night to participate as observer in signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of International Organization for Mediation at the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, according Minister Rana’s Press Advisor, Yek Raj Pathak.
The signing ceremony is being held in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on May 30.
Mediation is one of the key dispute settlement methods outlined in the United Nations (UN) Charter. Co-initiated by 19 countries, including China, the organization represents a contribution from developing countries to the international rule of law. The IOMed will fill a critical gap in mechanisms focused on mediation-based dispute resolution, it is stated.
The delegation comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong. Foreign Minister Rana will return home on May 31.
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13 – CAN appoints Nic Pothas as consultant of Nepal’s national cricket team
Kathmandu, May 29: Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has appointed South African coach Nic Pothas as a consultant coach of the Nepali national cricket team for the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2 to be held in Scotland.
CAN has stated in a press release today that Pothas has been appointed as the consultant for the national cricket team.
Previously, he was associated with the national teams of Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh. The Nepalese national men’s cricket team is preparing for a triangular series under the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2.
Nepal, Scotland and the Netherlands are playing in the Triangular Series to be held in Scotland from June 2-12.
With the guidance by Pothas, the Nepal team is expected to play its best with improvement in the performance, CAN said.
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14 – 18th Republic Day observed with presence of Head of State in Tundikhel
Kathmandu, May 29: The 18th Republic Day was observed across the country by organizing various formal events.
President Ramchandra Paudel attended a special ceremony held at the Army Pavilion Tundikhel today. The special programme was organized by the Republic Day Main Celebration Committee.
On the occasion, a contingent of Nepali Army (NA) presented a guard of honour to the President who serves as the patron of the Constitution and the Supreme Commander of the NA.
Tributes were paid to those known and unknown martyrs who attained martyrdom while fighting for bringing a glorious transformation in the country at different times, recalling the contributions of our seniors to the various democratic movements.
On the occasion, the Main Celebration Committee Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the function, stating that the ‘sovereign citizens’ are the owners of the republic.
Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh joined the celebrations.
Prior to this, a Nepali Army (NA) helicopter displayed a banner reading “Republic Day – 2082 BS” and showered flower petals from the air.
Cultural dance and musical performances were presented by local levels from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Kirtipur Municipality. These included traditional dances such as the Lakhe and Khaichadi, accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the Dhime and Dhaumati.
A march-past was presented by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force Nepal. Colorful balloons and pigeons were released, symbolizing joy over the institutionalization of the republic.he celebrations also featured a joint musical performance by the bands of the security forces.
Today marks the historic announcement of the federal democratic republic in Nepal, made by the first meeting of the popularly elected Constituent Assembly on Jestha 15, 2065 BS (May 28, 2008), which ended the 240-year-old monarchy. Since then, Jestha 15 is observed annually as Republic Day across the country.
The celebrations are not limited to the central level. Various political parties, organizations, and provincial and local governments also mark the occasion. Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad observe the day as well.
Ministers, former Prime Ministers, chiefs of constitutional bodies, senior government officials, heads of security agencies, and representatives from diplomatic missions in Nepal, along with other distinguished personalities, gathered at Tundikhel to attend the celebrations. The event was broadcast live by Nepal Television and Radio Nepal (Public Service Broadcasting).
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15 – Republic Day: PM Oli stresses on celebrating the ‘glorious day’ amidst jubilation
Kathmandu, May 29: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that there was no alternative to federal democratic republic system in the country.
Addressing a special ceremony organised at Tundikhel on the occasion of Republic Day 2082, Prime Minister Oli shared the republic does not belong to any one party and its true owner is the people as well as a democratic republic system of governance ‘of the people, by the people and for the people.’
According to this principle, citizens themselves choose their representatives from the ward level to the President and they can change their representatives, added PM Oli, stating that therefore, the responsibility for good or bad also lies in our hands.
He mentioned that the country has seen far greater progress in schools, communications and infrastructures in just 17 years of its establishment than in 250 years of the lavish monarchy, stressing the need that all should be united to build and strengthen the republic.
“The debate in our society is not about whether autocracy or the republic is better. There may still be many areas where those of us in formal and informal positions of power must improve our conduct and bahaviour. The challenges of poverty, unemployment and corruption facing the nation cannot be overcome by seeking an authoritarian ruler wearing a crown. Rather, in a democratic system, the solution lies in honestly electing strong political leaders who can face and address these issues. History bears witness; the monarchy ruled over the people; it did not serve them. The shift from rule to service began with the republic- it is not yet complete.”
PM Oli argued, “Good governance, transparency and accountability are the backbone of a republican system. We are committed to strengthening them and dedicated to fulfilling our national aspiration of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.’
“Republic is not something we were given, it’s something we achieved through the sacrifices and dedication of thousands of people. Today the people themselves cote inclusively, electing at least 36,057 representatives from various castes, ethnicities and communities–from ward members to the president of the country”, he mentioned
Prime Minister Oli stated, “When rights are matched with responsibilities, only then the republic can steer our beautiful country towards development, prosperity ad good governance.”
He questioned, “Where were our development indicators before the republic and where are they now? Let us reflect: Where was our Human Development Index before the republic? Where is it now? How any schools and hospitals existed during the 250 years of monarchy and how many kilometers of roads existed then and how many now? How many people had access to clean drinking water and electricity and how many have it today? Where was the standard of living of the people then and where is it now?”
He shared that all these achievements were possible from democratic republic.
Prime Minister Oli further said, “Today is a special day for us. It marks the historic date–Jestha 15, 2065- when after years of struggle with the sacrifices of thousands of brothers and sisters, and our collective tireless efforts, Nepal became a democratic republic. In remembrance of that historic day, today we are celebrating the Republic Day.”
He mentioned that we all people dismantled the autocratic system ruled by the commands of the crown and established a system where the country is governed by the decisions made from the hearts of the people, adding this historic milestone achieved by our society is something we must never forget and we never will.
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16 – Opposition parties allow govt. to present Economic Survey
Kathmandu, May 29: Opposition parties including the CPN (Maoist Centre) have decided to allow the government to present the economic survey and budget for coming fiscal year in the Parliament today.
The opposition parties, which had been obstructing the proceedings of the House of Representatives demanding resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the visit visa scandal, agreed to allow today’s House meeting.
Soon after the commencement of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, lawmakers of the opposition parties stood up at their respective seats. After the protest, Speaker Devraj Ghimire allocated time for Chief Whip of CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey, to speak.
Stating that they have allowed the government to present the Economic Survey and budget for coming fiscal year, he added they however would obstruct the House continuously until the demand is addressed.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel is presenting the Economic Survey in the meeting.
A programme is scheduled to present the budget for the coming fiscal year in the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament at 3:00 pm today.
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17 – Economic Survey projects 4.1 percent economic growth in current fiscal year
Kathmandu, May 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, has presented the Economic Survey for the current fiscal year before the House of Representatives.
He presented the Survey before the today’s session of the lower house. The Survey projects that economic growth rate for the current fiscal year will be 4.61 percent.
According to the Finance Minister, all provinces except Madhesh, Koshi, and Sudurpaschim are expected to secure economic growth rates higher than the national average.The size of the national economy is expected to reach Rs 6,107 billion in the current fiscal year. As the Minister apprised the session, it has been estimated that service sector will have the highest 62.01 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) followed by 25.16 percent from agriculture and 12.83 percent from the industrial sector.
As per the data until the end of Fagun in the current fiscal year (mid-March, 2025), the per capita gross national income soared to USD 1,517, and the average consumer inflation rate was 4.72 percent, according to the Economic Survey.
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18- Economic Survey presented in NA
Kathmandu, May 29: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has presented the Economic Survey of the current fiscal year in today’s meeting of the National Assembly (NA).
The Survey projects that economic growth rate for the current fiscal year will be 4.61 percent. According to the Finance Minister, all provinces except Madhesh, Koshi, and Sudurpaschim are expected to secure economic growth rates higher than the national average.
he size of the national economy is expected to reach Rs 6,107 billion in the current fiscal year. Finance Minister Paudel shared that service sector will have the highest 62.01 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) followed by 25.16 percent from agriculture and 12.83 percent from the industrial sector.
As per the data until the end of Falgun in the current fiscal year (mid-March, 2025), the per capita gross national income soared to USD 1,517, and the average consumer inflation rate was 4.72 percent, according to the Economic Survey. The next meeting of the NA is scheduled at 5:15 pm today.
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19- NPC meeting: Medium-term expenditure framework for next three years approved
Kathmandu, May 29: The full meeting of the National Planning Commission (NPC) held today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has approved the medium-term expenditure framework for the upcoming three fiscal years.
The meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar has approved the annual development programme of the three-year medium-term framework for the fiscal year 2082/83–2084/85 (2025/26 to 2027/28) in accordance with the Intergovernmental Financial Management Act, 2074.
The details of the annual income and expenditure for the coming fiscal year 2025/26 will be included within the same expenditure structure.
The meeting has also decided to make necessary preparations to finalize and send to the Ministry of Finance the estimates of income and expenditure based on the resource estimates and limits determined by the National Resource Estimation Committee starting from the upcoming fiscal year, in order to further streamline the budget formulation process.
The NPC Vice Chairman Prof Shivraj Adhikari informed that work is underway to present all ministries with details of source estimation and projections for the upcoming three fiscal years, along with analysis and prioritization of projects, emphasizing development with economic discipline.
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20 – Council of Ministers endorses Budget for FY 2025/26
Kathmandu, May 29: A meeting of the Council of Ministers has endorsed the Annual Estimates of Income and Expenditure (Budget) for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
The cabinet meeting convened at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar approved the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel’s Secretariat stated.
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22- Population of internet users reaches 144.23 per cent
Kathmandu, May 29: The density of internet users has reached 144.23 per cent. As per the Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, the population of internet users reached 144.23 per cent till the end of Falgun, 2081.
“The access of information technology has reached in common areas and governance system is being expanded at three-tier governments. The access of broadband internet services has been expanded at 6,566 ward centres of local levels”, Minister Paudel mentioned.
Similarly, 72.0 per cent households have access to digital television, reads the survey.
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23- Total length of roads reaches 36,132 kilometers by mid-March
Kathmandu, May 29: The total length of roads in the country had reached 36,132 kilometers as of mid-March 2025, according to the Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Parliament today.
The survey reports that the strategic and local road networks comprise 19,163 kilometers of blacktopped roads, 8,204 kilometers of gravel roads, and 8,765 kilometers of dirt roads.
As of the end of the last fiscal year (mid-July 2024), the road network measured 18,808 kilometers of blacktopped roads, 8,024 kilometers of gravel roads, and 8,658 kilometers of dirt roads-totaling 35,490 kilometers.
Out of the total 1,879 kilometers of the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway, 1,452 kilometers had been blacktopped by mid-July 2024. An additional 11 kilometers were paved by mid-March 2025, increasing the total blacktopped stretch to 1,463 kilometers. Of the 137 planned bridges along this highway, 107 had been completed by mid-March 2025.
Similarly, on the Postal Highway (Hulaki Rajmarg), 1,259 kilometers out of the total 1,857 kilometers had been blacktopped by mid-July 2024. By mid-March 2025, an additional 32 kilometers were completed, bringing the total to 1,291 kilometers. Of the 250 planned bridges, 142 were completed as of mid-March.
Likewise, in the North–South Kaligandaki Corridor, which spans 447 kilometers, 195 kilometers had been blacktopped by mid-March 2025 along the Gaindakot–Ramdi–Maldhunga section, which measures 245 kilometers.
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24 – Per capita GDP to increase by 6 percent in current fiscal year
Kathmandu, May 29: The government has estimated that the per capita gross domestic product (at current prices) which was Rs 192,031 in the last fiscal year will reach Rs 203,538 in the current fiscal year.
This is stated in the Economic Survey for Fiscal Year 2024/25 that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel presented in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.
In the current fiscal year, the per capita gross domestic product is estimated to increase by six percent. Over the past decade, the annual average growth rate of per capita gross domestic product has been nine percent.
In the last financial year, the per capita gross domestic product was 1,443 US dollars, and it is estimated to reach 1,496 US dollars in the current financial year.
Similarly, per capita national income and disposable income have both been increasing, and the government has estimated that the per capita gross national income will increase by 3.4 percent in the current fiscal year as against the previous year.
In the last fiscal year, this income had increased by 4.1 percent. It is estimated that the per capita national income will reach 1,517 US dollars in the current fiscal year. In the last fiscal year, this income was 1,467 US dollars.
Likewise, in the last financial year, the per capita total expendable income was 1,864 US dollars, whereas in the current financial year, this income is estimated to reach 1,940 US dollars.
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25- Around 96.85 per cent population has access to basic drinking water service
Kathmandu, May 29: Around 96.85 per cent population in the country has access to basic drinking water facility, reads the Economic Survey presented by the government. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Paudel presented the Survey in today’s meeting of the Federal Parliament.
The access of basic drinking water reached to such per cent of population till the end of Falgun, 2081, according to the Survey.
Similarly, 28.50 per cent population have access to safe drinking water service till the end of Falgun, 2081 and such population was 96.75 per cent and 27.76 per cent respectively till Asar 2081.
A total of 17 drinking water projects were completed till Falgun of the current fiscal year and additional 205,569 people got access to drinking water service from the projects during the period.
Likewise, rain water harvesting technology has been installed at 400 places so far including 265 government schools, 46 government buildings and 89 public buildings in Kathmandu Valley, as per the Survey.
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26 – Less foreign aid received in recent years
Kathmandu, May 29: In recent years, the volume of foreign aid received by Nepal has declined, according to the Economic Survey 2081/82 BS (2025/26) presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister during today’s session of the House of Representatives.
In the fiscal year 2080/81 (2024/25), the Federal Reserve Fund received Rs 24.01 billion in foreign grants and Rs 113.27 billion in foreign loans, amounting to a total of Rs 137.28 billion in foreign aid. Of this, loans accounted for 82.5 percent and grants 17.5 percent. The total foreign aid received during this period represented 2.4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As per the survey, by the end of Falgun (mid-March 2025) in the current fiscal year, Nepal had secured Rs 9.16 billion in foreign grants and Rs 65.74 billion in foreign loans, bringing the total foreign aid to Rs 74.63 billion. This marks a 13.8 percent decline compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
Despite the decrease in aid, public finance indicators have remained stable up to mid-March. A 12.6 percent increase in federal revenue mobilization has contributed to improvements in both the budget and fiscal deficits. The survey also highlights that both the primary balance and revenue balance are in surplus. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in foreign aid commitments.
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27 – Budget for Fiscal year 2025/26: Clear policy will be made for carbon trading
Kathmandu, May 29: A clear policy arrangement would be made for carbon trading.
Presenting a budget for coming fiscal year 2025/26 in the joint meeting of the Federal Parliament today, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel mentioned that necessary arrangement would be made for carbon trading in the international market.
Similarly, the budget has made necessary arrangements to preserve mountains melting snow and glacial lakes started drying.
DPM Paudel mentioned that the government would provide be necessary felicitation in construction of projects on conservation areas.
As per the budget, human-wildlife conflict would be reduced by managing wildlife making loss and damage in agriculture as well as different programmes would be launched for their co-existence in the next fiscal year.
The government has allocated Rs 18.61 billion for the Ministry of Forests and Environment for coming fiscal year.
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28 – Rs 57.48 billion budget allocated for agriculture and livestock development
Kathmandu, May 29: The government has allocated a budget of Rs 57.48 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development for the upcoming fiscal year.
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel stated that in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year presented in the joint meeting of Parliament today, a total allocation of Rs 57.48 billion has been made for agriculture and livestock development.
The government has introduced plans including grants for the purchase of chemical fertilizers, incentives for farmers for organic fertilizers, and pilot programmess for the control of wild animals harmful for agriculture such as monkeys.
Similarly, the agriculture, livestock and fisheries insurance programme, promotion programme for spring rice, expansion programme of irrigated area through small irrigation, and national fruit orange, commercial fruits, vegetables promotional programme as well as the sheep/goats and cows/buffaloes programme targeted along major highways and road corridors in the mid-hills have been prioritized.
Finance Minister mentioned that priority has been given to the programmes for promoting high-altitude oranges, apples, walnuts, yaks, winter maize/mid-hill maize production and seed production programmes, indigenous crop promotion programs, facilitation of registration of local and indigenous crop/seed varieties, agricultural biodiversity conservation and strengthening of community seed banks, and area expansion and production increase programs in zone and super zone areas through the national agriculture modernization programme.
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29- Budget for FY 2025/26: Rs 582 billion allocated to provinces, local levels
Kathmandu, May 28: The government has announced the allocations of Rs 582.83 billion to the province and local levels for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26).
The government has announced this in a budget speech today. Presenting the budget before a joint session of the Federal Parliament today, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel stated that the amount will be allocated to the province and local level as fiscal transfer.
The allocations include Rs 60.66 billion to provinces and Rs 88.97 billion to local levels as fiscal equalization, Rs 30.35 billion to provinces and Rs 211.46 billion to local levels as conditional grants and Rs 3.28 billion to provinces and Rs 10.06 billion to local levels as a supplementary grant
Similarly, under special grants, Rs 3.27 billion has been allocated to provinces and Rs 9.78 billion to local levels. Finance Minister Paudel also stated that conditional, special, and supplementary grants will be transferred based on performance.
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