Kathmandu. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said good governance was the top priority of the government.

“We believe that sustainable economic development is not possible without good governance. Corruption, dilly-dally, middlemen and illegal capture of institutions have not only increased the cost of the state but also weakened the confidence of the citizens. That is why this government is moving forward on the path of improving the system,” he said.

In his replies to queries raised by lawmakers on priorities and principles of the Appropriation Bill in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, Minister Khatiwada said arrangements such as governance, digital delivery, data submission and performance contact were not only matters in technology but also base for changing the culture of state operation.

Clarifying that their main objective was to go ahead on a long journey of good governance by freeing the state from collusion with neighbors, he said the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill have been determined. The expansion of the middle class does not mean providing facilities to a limited class but its main objective is to uplift the economic status of the poor, landless squatters and the communities deprived of opportunities, the Finance Minister said.

“We do not believe in equal distribution of poverty. We come from the belief that the poor should be uplifted and the middle class should be broadened,” he said. “Real social mobility is possible only by increasing citizens’ income, skills, productivity and access to opportunities,” he said. Stating that linking social justice with economic progress was a special priority of the government, he said the government has brought a new concept for the same.

According to him, the state is an institution with uninterrupted inheritance and it should also take responsibility of the responsibilities borne by the previous government. Expressing determination to write the budget for the coming fiscal year clearly, he assured that a working and implementation document would be prepared.

Stating that they are well aware that citizens are looking for results, the Finance Minister said that legal reforms, corporate accountability, time limit, digital tracking, direct monitoring and outcome measurement have been at the centre of the state’s governance.

“The priorities and principles of the appropriation bill are five guiding principles which have laid special emphasis on dividend of good governance, restructuring of economy, integrated infrastructure for proximity, social investment and multi-dimensional relations,” he said. ”

Stating that the private sector was taken as the lead of the economic development, he said the private sector has been prioritized for partnership in physical infrastructure development. Finance Minister Wagle said, “For the first time in this budget, we have moved ahead by attracting private capital from outside the government’s balance sheet.” ”