Finance Minister Clarifies Suspension of Development Projects, Cites Budgetary Pressures

Kathmandu. Finance Minister Ramesh Prasad Khanal clarified the issue of suspended development projects, stating that only 'small and fragmented' projects that were unprepared or would not yield immediate collective economic benefits have been halted.

Responding to a question from CPN (UML) lawmaker Bhuwan Bahadur Sunuwar during Wednesday's National Assembly meeting, he explained that this decision was necessitated by budgetary pressure and the need for priority restructuring.

He informed the assembly that the budget is strained by the responsibility to manage necessary resources for reconstructing structures damaged by the protests, resuming public services, conducting National Assembly and House of Representatives elections, paying liabilities created due to under-allocation for ongoing and critical projects, economic recovery, and providing relief to the injured and martyrs' families.

Minister Khanal also informed that projects for which design, estimation, and tender processes have begun, or those that have signed agreements with consumer committees and are proceeding progressively, are being gradually unfrozen after confirmation from the concerned ministry, and funds for many projects have already been released.

The cabinet's decision on Assoj 5 (Bikram Sambat) was to suspend only those projects that were unprepared, had not entered the procurement process, and would not yield immediate returns.

Bill Related to Dalit Rights Expected in Cabinet Within One Month

Minister Khanal stated that the drafting process for the bill related to Dalit rights, development, and the implementation of rights for the Dalit community as per Article 40 of the Constitution is being expedited.

He informed that the bill, which received in-principle approval from the Council of Ministers on Poush 28, 2082 (Bikram Sambat), is targeted to be presented in the Federal Parliament in the upcoming session.

He mentioned that after initial verbal consultation with the Nepal Law Commission, formal correspondence was made today.

Minister Khanal stated that preparations are underway to present the draft to the Council of Ministers within one month, after completing the draft preparation (approximately 21 days), public consultation (about seven days), and necessary procedures. He emphasized that this is a very important bill and the government aims to conclude it during its tenure.