Budget capable of triggering social transformation, former Finance Minister says

Kathmandu – Former Finance Minister Shankar Prasad Koirala has said the budget for the upcoming fiscal year unveiled by the government recently with the announcement of creating sufficient job opportunities for people at home was capable of bringing a grave change in the country's social transformation sector. 

Giving his views at an interaction on ' impact of budget on social life' organised by the Sanchar Kendra ( Center) Nepal here today , the former minister expressed his hope that government decision to invest in tourism, energy and agriculture would help create sufficient options for people's livelihood and job opportunities within the country. 

The former bureaucrat was of the view that the government should not invest more in the reopening of those industries (government-owned) which were already in loss, adding that the construction of the Arun III hydroelectric project with the domestic investment and resources would be more beneficial for the nation and people. 

Also speaking at the programme, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) central member Mahesh Basnet claimed that provision of health insurance up to Rs 100 thousands for senior citizens and loan assistance in various projects to attract youths in business and vocational education were good initiations. Investment in youths would help to promote business/industrial sector and create job opportunities. 

National Consumers Forum chair Premlal Maharjan urged the government to be serious towards the rights of consumers, seeking market intervention and a policy to control black marketing. 

Center chair Gobinda Chaulagain said the promotion of hydro power sector would push up country's economy, improving citizen's living standard. ---