KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives has started discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the Fiscal Year 2018/19.

Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada had presented a proposal in the meeting on Wednesday seeking discussions on the Bill. Taking part in the discussions, CPN-UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal said that the upcoming budget has been forwarded keeping in mind the political parties' election manifesto and spirit of the constitution.

He further welcomed the provision of progressive taxation system adding that the budget carries the objective of mobilising the foreign aid, developing the transport and energy sectors and their expansion. He further opined that the budget should clearly address the marginalised sectors.

Leader Rawal stressed on modernising the agriculture, reforming national security policy and promoting nationalism.

Similarly, Nepali Congress lawmaker Minendra Rijal said that the issues coming up in the meeting would be included in the budget. He also said that the budget should focus on infrastructure development.

CPN Maoist Centre lawmaker Agni Sapkota suggested that the budget should focus  in infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, promotion of good governance and uplifting the marginalised communities.

Laxman Lal Karna from Rastriya Janata Party Nepal said the budget should be free of political bias, while stressing the need for handing development programmes to province and local levels.

Rajendra Shrestha from the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal noted, the method of taking forward the country's economy was not clear yet and that the principles and priorities for the budget reflected past trends.