Karnali Ministry Allocates Budget Disproportionately, Favoring Minister's Home District
Summary
The Karnali Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development has disproportionately allocated its budget, favoring districts linked to the minister and influential leaders, particularly Humla and Surkhet.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Water Resources and Energy Development's budget for the upcoming fiscal year is 4.81 billion, increased from 3.83 billion.
- Minister Vijaya Budha has allocated more than 220 projects and 56.17 crore rupees for development in her home district Humla, surpassing other districts.
- Surkhet, the largest population district and home of Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel, received the highest budget overall with about 160 projects.
- Combined, Humla and Surkhet received 26.97 percent of the total ministry budget, exceeding the combined allocation of four other old Karnali districts.
- Salyan received more budget than Dailekh despite having fewer constituencies, with Minister Suresh Adhikari linked to Salyan.
- A budget of 25 lakh rupees was allocated to a private radio station, Kailash FM, in Humla, reportedly linked to the minister's party.
