Nepal's New Government Set to Reveal Key Policy Document in Parliament

Kathmandu Prepares for Budget Session

On Monday, the newly formed government of Nepal will unveil its policy document during the inaugural day of the Federal Parliament's budget session.

This marks the first budget session since Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) assumed office in March.

According to constitutional requirements, the president must address a joint session of Parliament following the election of the House of Representatives and at the start of each annual session.

President Ramchandra Paudel is set to present the government's policies and programs on Monday, in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution, as confirmed by Parliament Secretariat spokesperson Ekram Giri.

The parliamentary meeting is scheduled to commence at 2 PM, with the president's address slated for 4 PM, as per a notice from the Parliament secretariat.

Last month, President Paudel unexpectedly suspended the session of both houses that was meant to take place on April 30, citing 'special reasons,' a move that the opposition labeled as 'unprecedented and surprising.'

The upcoming session will be the second parliamentary session focused on the budget, following a joint session held from April 20 to 10, shortly after the new government took charge.

The Balen Shah administration had recommended the suspension of the April 30 session primarily to introduce significant ordinances, including one related to the Constitutional Council aimed at appointing a new Chief Justice, a position that had been vacant for some time.

This decision faced backlash from opposition parties, who argued that the government should adhere to regular parliamentary sessions rather than resorting to shortcuts for ordinance introduction.

The budget presentation date is set annually for Jestha 15 in the Nepali calendar, which corresponds to May 29 this year in the Gregorian calendar.

As per the agenda, the government will seek endorsement for eight ordinances recently promulgated by the President, including those related to public procurement and special arrangements for the removal of public officials, as well as the first amendment ordinance for the Constitutional Council.

These ordinances will also be submitted to the National Assembly, or Upper House, for consideration.