Federal Parliament

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle is scheduled to present the Economic Survey for the current fiscal year in separate meetings of both houses of the Federal Parliament today. This presentation is a customary practice preceding the budget announcement for the upcoming fiscal year and includes details on government performance and public entities.

President Ram Chandra Paudel will deliver the Republic Day address at Tundikhel on May 29, following a request from Prime Minister Balen Shah. Shah, who traditionally would have spoken as chair of the organizing committee, requested the President to take on the role after deciding not to speak himself. This decision comes amid criticism of Shah's absence from federal parliamentary proceedings.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, stated that the government is committed to bringing transitional justice to a logical conclusion. Speaking at a Federal Parliament committee meeting, she announced that regulations for transitional justice commissions and victim compensation funds are now operational. The government is preparing a position paper and consulting with all parties and stakeholders to finalize this process.

Multiple parliamentary committees under the Federal Parliament convened for meetings to discuss various critical issues. The Public Accounts Committee focused on strategies for reducing arrears, while the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee reviewed progress and action plans for the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Other committees engaged in discussions related to the upcoming fiscal year's budget, human rights, and infrastructure development.

Both the House of Representatives (HoR) and the National Assembly convened today to discuss the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year, excluding tax proposals. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle had previously presented the budget's principles and priorities, and is expected to respond to lawmakers' queries.

Nepal's private sector is urging the government to implement a transformative budget focused on structural economic reforms, moving beyond incremental changes to reshape the nation's economic model. Business leaders have submitted recommendations and pledged cooperation for reforms aimed at reviving growth, boosting investment, and creating employment. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle stated the government is adopting a "mission mode" approach emphasizing legal reforms, accountability, and measurable outcomes.