On Friday, a group of lawmakers submitted signatures of 327 NC and UML Constituent Assembly members to Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat demanding Rs 50 million under the proposed Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Shortly after, they organised a press

conference in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, to insist that the money would not be embezzled as feared by civil society, media and economists.

“We want the money for electricity for people who cannot charge their mobile phones, for schools, ambulances, bridges and for roads. Not for us,” said NC lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada.

According to sources, the Finance Ministry was supposed to finalise the CDF issue on Friday evening but a slated meeting did not take place as Acting Prime Minister Bam Dev Gautam could not find time out of his busy schedule at his party’s ongoing general convention. A decision is expected on Saturday, a day before budget presentation.

However, a top government official said they were planning a mechanism whereby each constituency would get programmes worth Rs 50 million with elected lawmakers getting their say in project selection. “If there is budget deficit, the government could provide more funding for such projects,” said the official.

Meanwhile, the government is planning a number of programmes for women, and forest, tourism and agriculture sectors. Amid rising incidents of violence against women (VAW), the budget is expected to provide measures to control the menace and rehabilitate the victims.

A National Planning Commission member, Bimala Rai Paudyal said a special programme on VAW has been prioritised. “A programme for rescue and rehabilitation of VAW victims will be announced,” said Rai. In its policies and programmes presented to Parliament last month, the government hinted at an effective programme against VAW.

The government is expected to introduce new programmes for tree plantation and management. “There will be a programme for massive tree plantation and a mechanism to look after the young plants,” said Rai, stating that afforestation programmes in the past failed to yield desired outcomes.

“We are going to ensure an institutional mechanism that will look after trees after their plantation on a sustainable basis,” said Rai. “Besides, non-government organisations working in forest conservation will be encouraged to work in plantation and their sustained management.”

Rai, who also looks after the peace and reconstruction sector at the NPC, said there will be no new initiatives in the sector but old ones such as relief distribution, reconstruction and development will be continued.

The annual policies said “Conflict Affected Area Special Programme’ and ‘Development Programme for Peace’ will be initiated in mid-western and far-western regions. The budget will find measures aimed at promoting the Buddhist Circuit and increasing tourists’ stay in Nepal. “The schemes will ensure that those visiting Lumbini also reach other Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal,” said Chandramani Adhikari, an NPC member.