The CPN (UML) has urged the government to make inclusive its budget programme for the upcoming fiscal year.

Organising a press conference at the party’s central office in Balkhu, UML leaders said the upcoming budget programme should be prepared after extensive discussion on the priorities. Criticising the Finance Minister for not initiating debate with the ruling allies on the upcoming budget, they said the budget must address the aspirations of different sections.

CPN-UML leaders in a press conference publicizing their proposed economic policy and program for the upcoming budget at their party office, Tuesday, June 19 07. nepalnews.com/rh

Addressing the press conference, UML leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari said the annual budget should announce special programmes for Dalits, women, indigenous nationalities and landless people. He also said the budget of the royal palace should be downsized.

“The number of army personnel at the royal palace has been reduced while other officials have been brought under the civil service. Therefore the budget for the palace must come down,” he said.

Adhikari, a former finance minister, informed that his party was in favour of doubling the Rs 1 million annual grant provided to each Village Development Committee.