Lawmakers decry unequal budget allocation favoring ministers’ districts
Several members criticized the government for allocating disproportionately high budgets to the constituencies of powerful leaders and ministers, while ignoring other regions that are equally in need.
KATHMANDU: During Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, lawmakers expressed strong dissatisfaction over what they described as unequal and biased budget allocation in the Appropriation Bill discussions.
Several members criticized the government for allocating disproportionately high budgets to the constituencies of powerful leaders and ministers, while ignoring other regions that are equally in need.
Lawmaker Deepak Giri objected to the allocation of only Rs 10 million for land acquisition at the Tarigaun Airport in Dang. He noted the contradiction between public announcements that no budget under Rs 30 million would be allocated and the minimal amount set aside for a key infrastructure project. Giri said the move undermines the sentiments of local lawmakers.
MP Menaka Kumari Pokharel echoed this concern, highlighting that despite the Prime Minister’s personal assurance, the airport project received minimal funding.
Similarly, MP Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar criticized the allocation as unrealistic and not in favor of the public. He stressed the need to build strong cooperative regulatory structures with local government involvement.
MP Ammar Bahadur Thapa said the budget does not reflect the broader interests of the nation or its people. MP Ranjukumari Jha called for equitable distribution of funds across all districts.
MP Ram Prakash Chaudhary lamented the lack of budget allocation for physical infrastructure in Sarlahi district, stating that even last year’s allocations had not been utilized.
MP Prabhu Sah questioned the rationale of taxing private businesses while government-run industries are operating at a loss. He criticized the government for neglecting key national highways, saying roads in ruling leaders’ districts are prioritized while others suffer.
MP Ram Krishna Yadav also agreed that budget allocations have been concentrated in constituencies of ministers and senior leaders, leading to discrimination.
MP Ishwar Bahadur Rijal expressed disappointment that Dolakha—a district with significant tourism potential—received far less than expected in the budget.
The lawmakers collectively urged the government to adopt a more balanced and needs-based approach to budget distribution that reflects national priorities rather than political favoritism.
