GANDAKI PROVINCE GOVERNMENT PREPARES BUDGET FOR FY 2083/4 AMIDST CONCERNS OVER FISCAL DISCIPLINE AND REVENUE SHORTFALL

The Gandaki Province government is preparing its budget for fiscal year 2083/4, with a proposed ceiling of Rs 28.7056 billion, a decrease from previous years. Lawmakers and experts are urging for a realistic budget, citing issues with project implementation due to unrealistic allocations in the past. Concerns have been raised about the province's actual budget capacity, with suggestions to focus on multi-year projects and address outstanding liabilities in the infrastructure sector. The decline in the budget is attributed to reduced federal grants and a decrease in internal revenue collection, exacerbated by legal and managerial weaknesses. Suggestions to increase internal revenue include digitalizing tax collection and ensuring the province receives its due share from local resource tenders.