May 8, 2025 – Birendranagar, Surkhet
Hriti Foundation, with support from the Subnational Governance Program (SNGP), successfully organized a Pre-Budget Discussion on the upcoming budget and policy priorities of the Karnali Province Government for Fiscal Year 2082/83 (2025/26).
The discussion brought together more than 30 stakeholders representing a diverse range of sectors, including private sector professionals, professors, youth, political leaders, civil society representatives, and entrepreneurs.
The event was attended by Hon. Rajeev Bikram Shah, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Karnali Province Government; Hon. Suryanath Yogi, Vice Chair of the Karnali Province Planning Commission; and Hon. Purna Bahadur Khatri, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee of the Karnali Provincial Assembly.
The program began with a presentation of key policy and budgetary recommendations developed by Hriti Foundation, based on year-long research and dialogue across the province. The recommendations focused on prioritizing the development agenda and increasing the role of the private sector in the apple market value chain.
Following the presentation, an open-floor discussion was held during which participants emphasized several priority areas for the provincial government. These included: improving the ease of doing business in Karnali, strengthening budget implementation mechanisms, prioritizing the long-term development needs of the province, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and increasing investment in the apple market value chain by enhancing private sector participation.
During the discussion, Hon. Suryanath Yogi shared the ongoing work of the Planning Commission and how it can contribute to incorporating the discussion’s recommendations into the plans, policies, and budget of the Karnali Province Government for the upcoming fiscal year.
Hon. Purna Bahadur Khatri underscored the importance of incorporating citizen feedback into the policymaking process. “These kinds of discussions and recommendations are crucial, and the provincial government should consider incorporating them,” he said. He also advocated for the establishment of a Company Administration Service in Karnali Province, highlighting that the province holds constitutional authority for this. “Such a move would support entrepreneurship and economic activity in the region, and I will personally advocate for it,” he added.
Hon. Rajeev Bikram Shah, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, expressed appreciation for the recommendations and made a clear commitment to incorporating them into the upcoming budget. “These suggestions will help improve the efficiency of the provincial government in planning and executing the budget. We will try to consider them while finalizing the budget,” he stated. He also noted that the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning is always happy to welcome new ideas.
