Syangja, March 29:

Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai said today that revenue worth Rs 40 billion was yet to be collected in this fiscal year.

Addressing a press meet organised here today, Dr Bhattarai said the government was seriously working to collect the amount. “Though there was a delay in introducing budget for this fiscal year, I can say that the budget is people-oriented and is focussed on the development of rural areas,” he said, adding, “The budget has been an overwhelming success.”

Saying that the apex court is not becoming accountable to the people, the finance minister also emphasised on the need to democratise the courts. Accusing the coalition partner CPN-UML of adopting dual policy, he said, “The UML has been staging demonstrations though they are a part of the government. It is because of the interference of the UML that the formation of local bodies has been delayed.”

He also claimed that the government was heading towards the right direction.

“The stable government, which will be formed following the adoption of the new constitution, will speed up the development activities in the country,” he added.