MP Parshuram Tamang Calls for Major Reforms in Finance Ministry, Criticizes Budget Allocations

Kathmandu. Communist Party of Nepal MP Parshuram Tamang has pointed out the need for extensive reforms in the existing structure of the Ministry of Finance.

While presenting his views on the budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 in the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, he objected to the insufficient time given to MPs to study the budget statement and appropriation books. He demanded the immediate restructuring of the National Planning Commission, Policy Institute, and the Ministry of Finance.

MP Tamang expressed disagreement with the budget allocated for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCC) under the Ministry of Finance. Describing the historical Suguali Treaty and the unequal treaty of 1950 as neo-colonialism, he portrayed the MCC as a similar agreement that compromises national dignity. In order to protect Nepal's sovereign rights and dignity, he proposed in the parliament to cut the budget allocated for MCC and keep it symbolically at 1 Rupee.

Regarding economic policy, MP Tamang strongly criticized the taxes imposed on education, health, and electricity. He said, 'Imposing excessive taxes on health and education is a regressive tax policy. It breaks the backs of the poor.' He argued that imposing VAT (Value Added Tax) on electricity, despite the slogan of a green economy, is contrary to the principles of industrial development. He drew the serious attention of the Finance Minister to withdraw all taxes imposed on fundamental rights sectors like education and health.

Questioning the size of the budget and the structure of expenditure, Tamang stated that administrative expenses reaching 50 percent of the total budget is a serious challenge for the economy. He mentioned that the economy is not dynamic due to the low utilization of industrial capacity, the inability to disburse loans despite sufficient funds remaining in banks, and low compliance with income tax. He accused the current budget of being a second edition of neoliberalism rather than being people-oriented.

Claiming that the budget lacks geographical balance, MP Tamang stated that important projects in the Arun and Dudhkoshi valleys, which encompass districts like Bhojpur and Khotang in the Koshi Province, have been neglected. Furthermore, he expressed surprise that the plans recommended by MPs for local infrastructure development were not included in the Red Book.

MP Tamang also sharply criticized the government for the reduction of mother tongue news and programs in the information and communication sector. Expressing objection to the removal of contract employees working at Radio Nepal and Nepal Television and the budget cut, he demanded that mother tongue programs be prioritized in national broadcasting.

Similarly, he objected to the zero budget allocation for the National Foundation for the Upliftment of Indigenous Nationalities and demanded an explanation from the government.