KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has voiced dissatisfaction with key provisions of the government’s newly unveiled budget.

Speaking at an event organized by the party’s Central Department of Supply and Consumer Affairs, Deuba stated that neither he nor his party was fully pleased with several aspects of the financial plan.

Highlighting Nepal’s current challenges, Deuba stressed the need for tighter controls along the Nepal-India open border to prevent smuggling. He also suggested that fully legalizing gold imports could help eliminate illegal trade.

The NC president emphasized the importance of reinforcing constitutional commissions to enhance their effectiveness in combating corruption.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, speaking at the same event, defended the government’s fiscal year 2025/26 budget, stating that it prioritizes good governance through the rule of law.

Addressing concerns about the budget’s impact on supply chains and consumer markets, Lekhak stressed the need for government support to industrialists and traders.

He called for stronger regulations to ensure food affordability, accessibility, and quality.

“Government bodies must fulfill their duties,” Lekhak said. “We need robust regulations to guarantee the availability of essential goods and tackle recurring issues like artificial shortages and black-marketing. The Home Ministry will play its part.”