Nepal’s Federal Parliament has started its budget session today, April 25, 2025. The session was called by President Ramchandra Paudel, based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. The meeting began at 1:00 PM in Kathmandu. The session will focus on key national plans, including the budget for the next fiscal year.
First Day of the Budget Session
The first day of the session is important for setting the tone of the discussions. As planned, Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, announced the formal start of the session. He also informed the House about the cabinet reshuffle and the President’s call for the session.
Each major political party was given time to speak during the opening discussions. Their leaders took this chance to share their views and goals for the coming weeks.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s Address
Prime Minister and leader of the UML parliamentary party, KP Sharma Oli, also spoke to the House. His personal secretariat confirmed this earlier. Oli’s speech covered several important topics, including the direction of the new budget and development plans.
In his address, the Prime Minister called for unity and cooperation among all parties. He stressed the need to pass key bills and focus on national growth.
Finance Minister to Table Key Bill
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, presented the “Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill” in the House. This bill is designed to help the government find better ways to fund development projects.
According to ministry sources, the bill includes ideas for raising funds from both local and international sources. It encourages the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and foreign direct investment (FDI) to speed up national development.
Upcoming Plans in the Budget Session
This session will be packed with major plans and decisions. The government will soon table its annual policy and program. This document will outline the goals for the coming fiscal year. After that, the national budget will also be presented.
The Finance Ministry is currently finalizing the budget. It will cover spending for education, health, roads, jobs, and disaster response. The government aims to boost the economy while keeping inflation low.
Public Interest and Budget Expectations
People across the country are watching the budget session closely. They want better services, job opportunities, and improved infrastructure. Many also expect relief from rising prices and better plans for post-earthquake recovery.
Economist Dr. Ramesh Dhakal said, “This budget session is very important. The country is recovering from many challenges. We need smart plans and strong spending to grow.”
Challenges Ahead for Lawmakers
Although the goals are clear, the path will not be easy. The ruling and opposition parties have many different views. Some leaders are asking for more local development funds. Others want strict rules to control spending.
Political expert Meera Joshi explained, “There are many voices in Parliament. But for the country to move forward, lawmakers must find common ground.”
Role of Parliament in National Growth
The Federal Parliament is a key part of Nepal’s democracy. It passes laws, reviews national plans, and approves the budget. Without strong action in Parliament, development can slow down.
In recent years, some sessions have seen delays due to political fights. This year, the public hopes for smoother talks and faster decisions.
Focus on Economic Recovery
Nepal’s economy is slowly recovering from past disasters and global shocks. Tourism is bouncing back, and remittance flows are stable. But small businesses still need support, and inflation remains a concern.
Experts hope this budget will support digital services, clean energy, and local manufacturing. These areas can create jobs and reduce imports.
In the coming days, Parliament will debate the government’s policies and programs. After that, the Finance Minister will present the full budget. Lawmakers will then review it, suggest changes, and vote to approve it.
The budget must be passed before the start of the next fiscal year in mid-July.
The budget session of Nepal’s Federal Parliament has started with high hopes and big plans. Over the next few weeks, lawmakers will discuss major issues that affect every citizen. If they work together, this session could lead to real progress for the country.
