Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has stated that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget is being designed to bring qualitative improvements to the living standards of citizens.

Responding to lawmakers’ questions in the House of Representatives regarding the principles and priorities of the budget, the minister said the government has established clear guiding frameworks for budget preparation.

According to the Finance Minister, the upcoming budget will focus on five major pillars aimed at economic reform, institutional strengthening, and social development.

1. Governance Dividend

The government has identified good governance as the foundation of economic reform. The minister stressed that sustainable economic improvement is not possible without systemic reforms and warned against tendencies that capture state institutions and policies.

2. Economic Restructuring

Acknowledging that the current economic structure has failed to significantly improve citizens’ living standards, he said the government plans to restructure the economy to make it more productive, sustainable, and inclusive.

3. Integrated Infrastructure Development

The government will prioritize integrated infrastructure development over scattered projects. Transport, energy, urban planning, and digital infrastructure will be developed in a coordinated manner.

4. Social Investment

The minister said the budget will expand investments in education, healthcare, and social justice. The government aims to strengthen human capital as a long-term driver of economic prosperity.

5. Diversified International Relations and Soft Power

The upcoming budget will also focus on diversifying Nepal’s international relations and strengthening the country’s soft power. Tourism, culture, diplomacy, and international cooperation will be promoted more effectively under the new policy direction.