MP Dr. Amaresh Singh Asks Finance Minister Wagle: What Percentage of Nepali Citizens Are Satisfied With New Budget?

Kathmandu, Nepal – Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh launched a scathing critique of Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle's new national budget during parliamentary discussions, questioning how many Nepali citizens are truly satisfied and accusing the government of imposing taxes on constitutional rights to education and healthcare.

Singh objected to the government's decision to impose taxes on education and healthcare, stating that the Finance Minister, who studied at Budhanilkantha School, had placed a tax burden on citizens' constitutional rights. He argued that taxing education and healthcare violates the Constitution, emphasizing that these are fundamental rights, and that the burden ultimately falls on students and patients using private schools and hospitals.

While acknowledging some positive aspects of the budget – including the increase in the personal income tax threshold, support for startups, and provisions for the IT sector – Singh questioned how much of Nepal's workforce would actually benefit from these measures.

'Fear May Sustain a Government, But It Cannot Create Development'

According to Singh, although bankers may be pleased with the budget, the large volume of deposits in banks reflects the fact that people are unwilling or unable to take loans due to the lack of a favorable business environment.

"Fear may sustain a government, but it cannot create development," he said in a pointed remark directed at the administration.

Singh also expressed disappointment that the budget did not include plans to establish quality schools similar to Budhanilkantha School in all seven provinces – a measure he had hoped would help develop future national leaders.

Farmers, Inflation, and the Trade Deficit

Speaking about farmers and poor communities in his constituency, Singh noted that farmers often sell vegetables for as little as Rs. 5 per kilogram, while consumers in Kathmandu pay around Rs. 50 per kilogram. He criticized the budget for failing to create mechanisms that would allow farmers to receive fair prices for their produce.

He further identified unemployment and lack of domestic production as Nepal's biggest challenges. He warned that advances in artificial intelligence and information technology could worsen unemployment if adequate jobs are not created. Referring to youth dissatisfaction, he said that failure to provide employment opportunities could lead to serious social problems.

Singh argued that Nepal's heavy trade deficit stems from insufficient production and highlighted the struggles of ordinary citizens facing rising inflation. He questioned what benefits the budget provided for marginalized communities, including Musahar, Dalit, and Chepang populations.

Debt Trap Criticism: 'Like a Village Moneylender'

Singh also criticized the size of the budget, noting that Nepal's budget amounts to approximately 32–33 percent of GDP, which he described as unrealistic and unsustainable. He expressed skepticism about the government's ability to implement the budget, pointing to a deficit of nearly Rs. 700 billion.

Comparing the country's debt management to a village moneylender who repeatedly borrowed money to repay previous loans, Singh argued that the government was taking on new debt primarily to repay old debt rather than to finance development projects.

He pointed out that the Finance Minister had openly stated that the government would borrow around Rs. 250 billion domestically, with about Rs. 150 billion going toward principal and interest repayments. "This means loans are being taken simply to repay old loans, not to support development," he said.

According to Singh, a country where capital expenditure remains around 20 percent and development spending is limited cannot achieve prosperity. He argued that only increased capital spending can generate jobs, attract investment, and drive economic growth.

Finance Minister Wagle: 'Prove Wrongdoing, I Will Resign'

Meanwhile, at a meeting of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle issued a dramatic challenge to his critics, daring them to provide evidence supporting allegations that information about upcoming tax increases – particularly on electric vehicles – was leaked in advance.

Wagle dismissed such allegations as "nonsense" and said anyone claiming that individuals rushed to import vehicles or caused significant revenue losses due to leaked information should present concrete proof.

"If anyone can prove that Swarnim Wagle has committed wrongdoing worth even two rupees, not two billion, I am prepared to resign not only as Finance Minister and Member of Parliament but also from public life altogether. This is my challenge," he said.

Wagle emphasized that all public officials should maintain high standards of ethics and accountability. He reiterated that decisions regarding the budget and tax policies were made with Nepal's long-term economic interests in mind and challenged opponents to substantiate their accusations with documentary evidence.

Lawmakers Raise Diverse Issues During Zero Hour

During the zero hour of today's House of Representatives meeting, lawmakers raised a wide range of contemporary issues and urged the government and relevant ministries to address them.

Several other lawmakers from different political parties also raised contemporary issues and urged government attention. MPs including Bipin Kumar Acharya called for immediate action on issues raised by lawmakers, while Sunil KC objected to language used by an opposition leader and requested that it be removed from parliamentary records.

MP Sundar Kharel urged members to maintain decorum in parliamentary discussions, while MP Sushil Khadka called for additional staff and equipment for Baglung Hospital. MP Sushma Swarnakar emphasized the promotion of local tourism, and MP Som Sharma requested improvements to police post buildings.

A Familiar Cycle: Promises Without Delivery

Concluding his remarks, Singh stated that he had heard similar promises from finance ministers for the past two decades. Every year, leaders claim the budget will transform Nepal into a country like Singapore, the United States, South Korea, Dubai, or Japan – but in reality, debt continues to grow while meaningful change remains elusive.

"Every year, we hear the same promises. Every year, we see the same results. Debt grows, development lags, and the people wait," Singh said.