Dhading, February 8

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the government was committed to providing necessary budget for Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project.

Addressing a central regional conclave of Federation of Nepali Journalists in Dhadingbesi today, the minister expressed his commitment to provide necessary budget for the development of the project.

“The government has placed the project on priority list. So the government will provide necessary budget and support for the development of the project,” said the minister, adding,

“If need be the government will cut the budget for other projects that are of secondary importance and provide funds to the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project. We can’t afford to delay the project under any pretext,” he said.

As per sources, the ministry has released Rs 5.41 billion for compensating the project affected locals.

In the first phase, compensation would be distributed project affected locals in Dhading and Gorkha districts.

On a different note, Mahara has urged all political parties to have the faith that the all three levels of elections would be held by January, 2018.

He also lauded the role of media during freedom struggles and expected similar support for effective implementation of new constitution.

On the occasion, he feted former FNJ Presidents Harihar Birahi, Suresh Acharya, Taranath Dahal and Dharmendra Jha in recognition of their contribution to institutional development of the FNJ and promotion of freedom of expression and free press.