Janakpurdham, July 9.The Madhesh Province government’s proposed budget for the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26) has come under intense scrutiny from provincial lawmakers during a public budget dialogue held in Janakpurdham yesterday. Lawmakers across party lines criticized the budget as unrealistic, unbalanced, and out of touch with the needs of the people, questioning how the government plans to generate employment for 100,000 citizens without proper groundwork.
“Budget Detached from Ground Realities”: MP Ramsaroj Yadav
Nepali Congress MP Ramsaroj Yadav, a member of the ruling coalition, stated that despite being part of the government, he could not support the budget in its current form. “The budget has not prioritized the core pillars of Madhesh’s prosperity—agriculture, tourism, and industry,” he said. Yadav noted that 40% of the budget has been allocated to physical infrastructure while key social sectors remain underfunded. He called for immediate amendments before approval.
Invest in Agriculture, Education, and Health
Yadav emphasized the need for increased investments in collective farming, tourism infrastructure, and human capital. “Without educated and self-reliant citizens, the dream of a prosperous province will remain an illusion,” he stated.
“Flawed and Imbalanced”: MP Ramashish Yadav
Ramashish Yadav from the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal criticized the budget for being deficit-driven and structurally flawed. He alleged that the budget favors party loyalists and middlemen, and noted that it encroaches on local governments’ jurisdiction, contradicting the spirit of federalism. He also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of marginalized communities such as Dalits, persons with disabilities, and the poor.
Budget Influenced by Middlemen: MP Vimala Ansari
Former minister and MP Vimala Ansari accused the government of drafting the budget under the influence of middlemen. “It lacks targeted programs for Dalit women and marginalized groups,” she said, arguing that the allocation should reflect the demographic composition of the population, which it currently does not.
Self-employment Only on Paper: MP Kanchan Vichha
MP Kanchan Vichha expressed doubt over the government’s claim to provide self-employment to 100,000 youths. “There are no industries, no investment in agricultural production, and no provisions to promote small-scale industries. So, where will the jobs come from?” she asked. She also stressed that equitable access to education is key to achieving sustainable development.
Additional Reactions and Analysis
The event, organized by Rights Clinic, saw participation from various stakeholders, including MPs Jawahar Kushwaha and Kanis Patel, FNJ central committee member Rajesh Karn, INSEC provincial coordinator Raju Paswan, and journalists Kailash Das and Manda Karn, among others.
Buddha Narayan Sahani, head of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Madhesh Province, presented a digital analysis of the budget.
Participants including Diwakar Upreti, Jamuna Bhujel, Kiran Paswan, and Santosh Karn raised critical questions about the budget’s direction and priorities.
The provincial budget, rather than uniting stakeholders, has triggered concerns about governance, priorities, and inclusivity. Lawmakers and civil society alike are calling for a revised, realistic, and people-centered financial plan before it is passed.
