Kathmandu: The government has launched a “Suggestion Collection Portal” with the objective of incorporating public recommendations into the policies, programs, and budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. For this purpose, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has introduced a digital platform named suggestions.opmcm.gov.np
Citizens will also be able to submit their suggestions for the government’s upcoming policy and program document, which is scheduled to be made public next Monday. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the platform has been launched to make governance more transparent and people-oriented by incorporating the real needs and genuine expectations of citizens.
The office further stated that the platform was introduced in line with the primary vision of Prime Minister Balen Shah to ensure that the government’s policy-making process is not confined solely to administrative circles, but also values public sentiment and expertise.
The Prime Minister’s Office said that suggestions received through the portal will be seriously reviewed at the administrative level and implemented through policy measures wherever appropriate. The system also includes a special “Suggestion Tracking” feature, allowing citizens to monitor the status of their submissions and learn about the actions taken by the government in response.
Citizens can access the portal through the official website of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and send their recommendations directly to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Similarly, the Ministry of Finance has also issued a public notice inviting all citizens to submit suggestions for the budget through its website or by written correspondence in an effort to make the budget more people-centered and result-oriented. The ministry has additionally provided a facility allowing citizens to submit suggestions by scanning a QR code.
According to the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, the government is required to present the annual statement of income and expenditure, or the national budget, on Jestha 15 each year. In accordance with this constitutional provision, the government has already begun preparations for drafting the upcoming budget.
The Ministry of Finance has formed a five-member budget drafting committee under the coordination of Joint Secretary Uttarkumar Khatri, and the related work is continuing. In addition, the ministry has been carrying out inter-ministerial consultations and discussions regarding budgetary recommendations.
Traditionally, before the budget is presented, the President, on behalf of the government, presents the annual policies and programs during a joint session of both houses of Parliament. The Prime Minister’s Office has therefore also sought suggestions from the general public regarding the forthcoming policies and programs.
The government has announced that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget will serve as a starting point for good governance and reform. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has repeatedly stated in public forums that the new budget will break away from past practices and lay the foundation for ensuring good governance.
