Federal Government Announces Budget of Rs 21 Kharba 34 Arab for Fiscal Year 2083/84, Mixed Reactions in Madhesh

Janakpurdham. The federal government has announced a budget of Rs 21 Kharba 34 Arab for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84.

The budget, released on Friday, has been viewed with both hope and disappointment in Madhesh. While some consider this budget a ray of hope for Madhesh, others have commented that there are no significant new programs.

This time's budget has continued some old programs in the Madhesh Province. Similarly, some plans included in the infrastructure, tourism, and health sectors have raised expectations in the province.

In the budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, it has been announced to develop Janakpurdham as an international marriage and religious tourism destination. Similar to the plans advanced by the previous government, the budget mentions that the process of listing Janaki Temple as a World Heritage Site will be expedited. Furthermore, budget has been allocated for the upgrading of Ram Janaki Path and Ram Janaki Parikrama Marg.

In terms of transport infrastructure, the construction of Hulaki Highway and expressways will be accelerated, the railway line connecting Madhesh with Kathmandu will be expanded, and budget has been set aside for the construction of the Bardibas-Biratnagar railway line. The government has stated that the necessary resources will be ensured to complete the remaining section of the Janakpurdham-Jayanagar-Bardibas railway line.

There have been mixed reactions in Madhesh regarding the budget. Madhesh Policy and Planning Commission Vice Chairman Rajkumar Singh has commented that the budget is generally hopeful for Madhesh. He stated that this budget is an improvement compared to previous years. He said that it is a positive sign that this government led by RPP has prioritized the provinces. Vice Chairman Singh said, 'Previous governments were reducing complementary grants and special grants, but it is a good sign for Madhesh that the current government has prioritized these grants.'

He stated that prioritizing social development in the upcoming fiscal year for Madhesh, which is lagging in human development index, is the right decision.

Economist Nanu Jha, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the budget brought by this government, stating that allocations (setting aside funds or resources for a specific task or body) have not been made. He expressed doubt about the implementation of plans such as listing Janaki Temple as a World Heritage Site and developing Janakpurdham as a wedding destination, as the budget was not clearly allocated for those headings.

According to Economist Jha, the lack of enthusiasm in Madhesh is due to the budget remaining silent on ambitious plans like Hulaki Highway, Ram Janaki International Stadium, Bardibas Medical College, etc. He expressed doubt about the budget's implementation, even though it appears attractive.

On the other hand, CPN-UML Madhesh Parliamentary Party leader Saroj Yadav accused the current government of not bringing a budget commensurate with the votes received from Madhesh. He stated that this budget does not align with the spirit of federalism. He expressed doubt about the intentions of the current government, as the budget remains silent on areas like Ram Janaki International Stadium, two important cities of Madhesh; Janakpurdham and Birgunj, and Bardibas Medical College. He complained that despite Madhesh's significant contribution to the formation of the current government, Madhesh has received nothing from this budget.

JSP Nepal Madhesh Province Parliamentary Party leader Saroj Yadav also expressed anger that the Hulaki Highway, which is a lifeline for Nepal, has not been prioritized. He accused the budget of 'bypassing' Madhesh.