Kathmandu: The budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 is set to be presented today in a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament. The budget speech will be delivered at 4:00 PM on behalf of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party government, which secured a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives elections held on Falgun 21.

As per the constitutional provision introduced after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS, the national budget is presented every year on Jestha 15, which is also celebrated as Republic Day.

According to Ekram Giri, spokesperson for the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the budget presentation will take place at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Singha Durbar. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has instructed all lawmakers to be present by 3:45 PM.

Following the budget presentation, a separate meeting of the House of Representatives has been scheduled for Friday at 5:30 PM.

The government has stated that this year’s budget aims to be more systematic, transparent and result-oriented. The National Planning Commission had proposed a budget ceiling of Rs 1.89 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year.

Although the original budget size for the current fiscal year stood at Rs 1.964 trillion, it was later reduced to Rs 1.688 trillion through a mid-term review carried out after the political changes following the Bhadra movement.

Officials say the new budget has been prepared by incorporating the ruling party’s election commitments, the government’s 100-point governance reform action plan, the priorities and principles of the appropriation bill, and suggestions provided by lawmakers during parliamentary discussions.

The atmosphere inside the Ministry of Finance at Singha Durbar remained busy until late Wednesday night, with ministry officials engaged in final revisions of policy documents, statistics and budget plans.

The business community is closely watching for possible tax policy changes, while farmers are expecting grants and support programs. At the same time, unemployed youth are hoping the budget will introduce programs focused on job creation and economic opportunities.