— Bharat Mohan Adhikary

Bharat Mohan Adhikary is a former finance minister and a standing committee member of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML). Adhikary spoke with SANJAYA DHAKAL on what he thinks should be the priority of the new budget. Excerpts:

What should be the thrust of the upcoming budget?

The main thing is that the regular expenditure is sky-rocketing. The ratio of regular to development expenditure has reached to almost 4:1 level, which is dangerous. Whatever government officials say, the development expenses of the last 11 months show that they hover around Rs 13-14 billion only. Likewise, the issue of unemployment, poverty etc should not be segregated from the Maoist problem. There should be a clear link between development and peace. So, the thrust should be given to decrease regular expenditure by as much as possible; carry out development programs despite conflict; involve community in programs and send positive message to the people.

How can you increase development expenditure in such a situation?

New avenues must be explored. We cannot sit with our hands tied if the conflict does not end. There are approximately 36000 wards in the country. Let us first introduce targeted programs in one-third of them. Let us urge the community to build infrastructures like bridges, irrigation canals and so on where the government invests up to 50 percent in terms of capital and equipment. I do not think that even the Maoists will pose obstruction in such programs. Development must take place. The government must pump in money into villages. Since Nepal has become a member of WTO, the budget should also reflect our commitments.

Can a new finance minister do anything in such a short notice?

A new orientation can be given to the budget even in less than ten days. All in all the budget should give positive message to business community, farmers and common people.