Fiscal Year 2013-14 budget of the government has given positive signals towards every sector as it has considered the demands and suggestions from different sectors. The positive signals emanate primarily from the fact that it is the first full-fledged budget brought out before the beginning of the fiscal year in the last three years. Some experts, however, expressed their dissatisfactions over the programmes introduced by the government. The Corporate has gathered views from experts and business communities regarding Budget 2013-14. Excerpts:

 

Sekhar Golchha 

President 

Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) 

Full-fledged budget was not introduced since long. This year, the government introduced full- fledged budget and we think this is a good beginning. A full-fledged budget, despite its shortcomings, will help economy to move forward. We had requested the government to reduce the tax levied on automobiles but government did not do that. Except on alcohol and tobacco, the government has not changed the tax on goods. In this context, there is no space to show our dissatisfaction to the government. If taxes were decreased, it would have helped to increase the economy. Budget has targeted to provide roads to every district, which will have positive impact on business of automobiles. Actually, roads and transportation are the key element for economic growth.

 

Ashok Temani 

Immediate Past President 

Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BiCCI) 

Budget has covered every aspect. It has focused on physical infrastructure, including energy which is quite positive and commendable. It is worth mention here that five percent economic growth is possible if the major provisions of the budget are implemented effectively. The budget has earmarked money to construct infrastructure for railway, build international airport at Nijgadh, generation of electricity and transmission lines for electricity. These are some instances of development friendly budget allocation. Similarly, government has promised to implement ‘One Village One Product Programme’, to develop the agricultural business and to build a ware-house in Kolkata to ease foreign trade.

 

Barsha Man Pun

Former Finance Minister 

The government has brought programmes violating earlier agreement with the political parties. The size of the budget is quite big and Rs 16 million allocated to hold elections is not justifiable. There is a high chance of manipulation of such a big amount. Political parties had suggested the government to allocate Rs 10 million for the purpose of election. Despite being an election government, this government has brought a number of populist programmes. Similarly, long- term programmes have been added to the budget. It shows that the government is trying to lengthen its tenure.