Far-Western Province Government Budget Faces Uncertainty Amidst Coalition Dispute

Dhangadhi. The budget for the upcoming financial year (2083/084) presented by the Far-Western Province government on Asar 1 has not yet been passed by the Provincial Assembly. Uncertainty has increased due to the disagreement between the ruling coalition partners, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, regarding the budget.

Moreover, presenting the budget in the Provincial Assembly was quite challenging. Due to the inability to reach an agreement, the government presented the budget in the Provincial Assembly at midnight on Asar 1. The Council of Ministers could not convene throughout the day as an agreement could not be reached between the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Finally, an agreement was reached in the evening, and the Council of Ministers approved the budget. Subsequently, the budget was presented in the Provincial Assembly meeting at night.

The dispute that began on the day the budget was presented has not yet been resolved. The disagreement between the two parties within the government persists with only 4 days remaining to pass the budget.

Both Congress and UML are part of the government led by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah. However, UML has expressed dissatisfaction with its own government's budget and has registered a proposal for expenditure reduction. Discussions on the budget in the Provincial Assembly have not progressed effectively. The budget must be passed by Asar 32.

Following the budget presentation, the program booklet also faced widespread criticism. The opposition parties, as well as UML, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that many schemes were concentrated in Chief Minister Shah's constituency. UML leaders have accused the budget of being unbalanced, not giving equal priority to all districts of the province, and not being prepared according to due process.

UML has not backed down from its stance. UML Parliamentary Party leader Rajendrasingh Rawal has been advocating for the budget to be rewritten. UML Chief Whip Chakra Malla has also clarified that the proposal for expenditure reduction will not be withdrawn. UML is in favor of passing the budget only after improvements are made.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Shah stated that UML must now make a clear decision. He challenged UML to either cooperate in passing the budget if they remain in the government or withdraw their support if they do not. He stated that with very little time left, UML must provide a way out. He also warned of dismissing UML ministers if they do not cooperate in passing the budget.

Chief Minister Shah clarified that it is inappropriate for MPs from the same party to bring amendment and expenditure reduction proposals against the budget prepared by the government's own ministers. He stated that while necessary improvements can be made to the budget, it must be done according to legal procedures and parliamentary systems.

Both parties are engaged in internal discussions. This is not the first time such a dispute has arisen regarding the budget in the Far-Western Province.

In previous years as well, political disputes have occurred during the process of presenting and passing the budget.

If the budget is not passed by the end of Asar, it will be difficult for the provincial government to operate expenses for the new financial year. This will directly impact development works, service delivery, and government programs.