Sudurpaschim Congress demands suspension of non-essential budget spending

Dhangadhi: The budget dispute in Sudurpaschim Province has become increasingly complicated, with the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) setting conditions for further discussions on budget implementation as the ruling parties prepare to investigate the controversy.

The Nepali Congress has demanded a halt to spending on all budgetary programs except staff salaries, hospital operations, and other essential obligations. The party has said it will not participate in further budget discussions unless the government implements this arrangement.

A meeting of the Nepali Congress provincial parliamentary party held on Wednesday decided to demand that the government suspend all budgetary programs other than those considered essential. The party said the decision followed an all-party meeting and discussions with Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari.

Under the Congress proposal, the government should prepare and implement a list of essential and mandatory expenditures, including staff salaries and hospital operations, based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Finance. All other budgetary expenditures, however, must be suspended, the party insists.

The Nepali Congress has said it will engage in further discussions on the budget only after the government formally informs the Provincial Assembly of the arrangement. The party has also decided to urge the Speaker to immediately call a meeting of the Provincial Assembly. It has already informed Speaker Bhandari of the parliamentary party's decision.

Earlier, amid the budget dispute, the Nepali Congress had demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and other ministers. It had also boycotted the Provincial Assembly session during the budget ratification process.

Meanwhile, the ruling Nepal Communist Party and the CPN-UML have already finalized the names of their representatives for the parliamentary investigation committee.