Khushbu Oli questions budget priorities & slow project execution
Oli said lawmakers were not given sufficient time to properly study key budget documents before being asked to propose expenditure cuts across multiple ministries.
KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chief whip Khushbu Oli has raised serious concerns over the government’s working style and budget allocation priorities, calling parliamentary budget discussions “largely ceremonial” due to inadequate time for scrutiny.
Speaking during Tuesday’s discussion in the House of Representatives on the Appropriation Bill 2083, Oli said lawmakers were not given sufficient time to properly study key budget documents before being asked to propose expenditure cuts across multiple ministries.
She described the process of reviewing development programs of 18 ministries within just two days as “unrealistic,” arguing that such constraints prevent meaningful legislative oversight.
Focusing on infrastructure development, Oli acknowledged the continuation of strategic projects such as the Madan Bhandari Highway, Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway, Hulaki Highway, and tunnel routes.
However, she criticized their slow implementation, noting that many long-term projects remain incomplete even after decades of repeated budget allocations.
“There must be an end to the practice of announcing and laying foundations for new projects while existing strategic projects remain unfinished,” she said, urging the government to prioritize completion over expansion.
Oli also highlighted the absence of a clear blueprint for road maintenance, climate-resilient infrastructure, and road accident reduction strategies.
Turning to the science and technology sector, she expressed concern that only 0.18 percent of the total budget has been allocated to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
She argued that despite government rhetoric on artificial intelligence, robotics, and space technology, there is minimal investment in innovation at the local level and no concrete plan to retain scientists in the country.
Oli further demanded the immediate introduction of a national AI policy and data protection framework.
In the energy sector, she said while transmission line expansion and electricity export strategies to India appear positive, the government lacks a clear plan to boost domestic energy consumption.
She warned of potential risks if external market conditions change and urged the development of a comprehensive energy security strategy.
