Ex-Minister Criticizes Ambitious Budget's Lack of Focus

Former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has criticized the newly unveiled budget as ambitious but lacking focus on necessary reforms and strategic 'big push' areas. In an interview, Pun pointed out challenges in resource mobilization, high levels of borrowing, and insufficient attention to agriculture and other production-oriented sectors. While the budget seems to target the middle class, it lacks concrete plans for the lower class and job creation. Pun also expressed concerns about setting an inflation target of 6%, which he believes is too high and could negatively impact the economy if growth targets are not met. He suggests prioritizing realistic and impactful policies over populist measures.