Maoists to partake in budget talks

KATHMANDU, AUG 08 - After boycotting the parliamentary proceeding twice, the main opposition UCPN (Maoist) has agreed to participate in discussion over the Appropriation Bill after the government assured amendment to the budget to incorporate their demands.

The Maoist lawmakers on Friday participated in the discussion saying they want the budget to be endorsed soon so that the nation can work in reconstruction of properties destroyed in the earthquake. According to Maoist leaders, they decided to participate in the thematic discussion over the Bill as Minister for Finance Ram Sharan Mahat assured appropriate amendments to give space to the programmes and policies they are demanding for.

“Some of the issues they  raised have already been included and the government is ready to discuss others issues,” Mahat told the Post.

The main opposition party had been boycotting the discussion claiming that the budget was prepared ignoring ‘public suggestions’ from local level and failed to pay heed to the peace agreement and post quake situation. The party has also been demanding some projects in the name of deceased Maoist leaders Nar Bahadur Karmacharya and Post Bahadur Bogati. After several meetings with the Maoist leaders, Mahat had agreed to address their demands through the budget for fiscal year 2015-16.

Addressing the parliamentary session, Maoist lawmaker Shakti Bahadur Basnet said that they welcome the assurance from the finance minister and that they will now actively participate in the discussion. “However, we will be compelled to rethink our decision if the government does not translate its word into actions,” he said. He argued that the new budget should at least give a ray of hope to thousands of earthquake victims who are desperately waiting for the shelter.

Though the Parliament had unanimously passed the vote on Account Bill on July 16 in order to run the country until the Appropriation Bill was approved, the thematic discussion started only after three weeks on August 3. However, ministry-wise discussions are yet to commence as a majority of ministries have failed to submit district-wise plans and spending in the House. The Parliament has already issued a ruling to the government to table the plan.