Interaction on RE aspects in the Budget of FY 2076-77

Finance Minister Dr. Yuvaraj Khatiwada unveiled a total budget of Rs 1.53 trillion for the fiscal year 2019/20.

The budget for 2019/20 has set an economic growth target of seven per cent and focuses on social justice, increment in exports to reduce the trade deficit, and increase in general productivity.

The budget also has targets to completing of incomplete projects from the current fiscal. Specific standards have been set for the transfer of development projects to province and local governments.

The total fiscal budget has been allocated for education, health, science and technology, agriculture, drinking water and hygiene, social security, employment tourism, industry, commerce and supplies, energy, transportation, urban development, among other sectors.

Minister Khatiwada said the federal government will be working in cooperation with the provincial and local levels, along with the private sectors and cooperatives.

Renewable energy aspects have been one big focus in the budget and role of public sector, private sector and donors and development partners are also underlined. The private sector being one important stakeholder had expected many more things to come positively in the budget. Likewise public sector and professional had also similar expectations.

After the budget speech made by the Finance Minister and endorsed it in the Parliament, the stakeholders are looking forward to the best of implementations. Also, some are expected to take corrected shape, size and speed.

Mr. Mukesh Ghimire, Sr. Officer at Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) explained the matters linked to renewable energy promotion incorporated in the budget speech. He expressed the proposed funds to be allocated by the federal government. He also talked on the role of Provincial Governments, Local Governments and governmental institutions. The budget shows that it gives ample space for private sector to engage in supply of systems and services.

RECON chairperson Mr. Guna Raj Dhakal presided over the interaction programme organized by RECON to discuss on the provisions made in the budget for the smooth functioning and implementation. The event was participated in by experts, academia, media and professionals. The participants expressed opinions and views for the positive recommendations to the concerned authorities.