Kathmandu, June 21: Finance Minister Mahesh Acharya has said that various programmes like Integrated Karnali Agricultural Development Programme, construction of roads including Karnali Highway and micro hydroelectricity are to be launched with special priority for alleviating poverty in Karnali zone.

Replying to oral questions from MPs during question hour at the National Assembly today, Minister Acharya made it clear that the salaries of employees, teachers and workers have been increased as permitted by available government resources and on the recommendation of the Pay Commission-2055.

VAT has been fully implemented in the country, he said calling for honesty among industrialists and businessmen, administrative efficiency, greater awareness among customers and active contribution of elected representatives for successful implementation of the tax system.

Tilak Prasad Neupane, Surendra Prasad Pandey, Mrs Gaura Koirala and Mohan Bahadur Bam posed questions to the Finance Minister.