Government Prepares First Budget Under Balen Shah's Leadership Amidst Economic Constraints

The upcoming fiscal year's budget, the first under Balendra Shah's leadership, is nearing presentation amidst economic challenges. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle is under pressure to deliver a hopeful budget, with budget writing work nearing completion, excluding tax rate changes. The budget draft committee has prepared the annual policy and program, project priorities, and appropriation bill. Despite economic contraction and limited resources, sources suggest the budget size may increase due to planned salary hikes for government employees and increased investment in transformative projects.