Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has said that the budget has been stressed due to reconstruction, resumption of public services and various state obligations following the Genji movement. Responding to queries raised by lawmaker Bhuwan Bahadur Sunuwar in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, he said some development projects had to be postponed due to budgetary pressure and restructuring of priorities.

According to him, only ‘khudre and fragmented’ projects that have not been prepared, have not reached the procurement process and do not give immediate financial return. According to him, the projects that have gone through the design, estimate and tender process or are moving ahead after signing agreement with the users’ committee are being released gradually after verification by the ministry.

Finance Minister Khanal said that the budget has been exerted pressure due to the responsibility of reconstruction of structures damaged by the agitation, resumption of public services, management of resources required for holding National Assembly and House of Representatives elections, payment of recurrent and important projects, economic recovery and distribution of relief to the families of the martyrs.

He clarified that the decision of the Council of Ministers on September 20, 2082 was taken to postpone only the projects that were not prepared and did not give immediate results. Meanwhile, the process for drafting the bill related to Dalit rights, rights and development has been expedited for the implementation of the Dalit rights in line with Article 40 of the constitution. The bill which was approved in principle by the Council of Ministers on Poush 28, 2082 BS aims to be tabled in the Federal Parliament in the coming session.

Stating that formal correspondence was sent today after initial verbal consultation with the Nepal Law Commission, Minister Bhattarai said preparations were underway to prepare the draft within 21 days, hold public consultations in about seven days and complete necessary process and send it to the Council of Ministers within a month. He said that the government has set a target to conclude this important bill within the tenure of the government.