Kathmandu – The rush to prepare the national budget for the new fiscal year in Nepal is almost underway. Normally, ministers from across all ministries would be at Singha Durbar, with representatives from provincial and local governments arriving to lobby for budget allocations. During this time, political leaders from various districts would also visit to gain financial support for their constituencies. As per Nepal’s constitution, the government is required to present the budget to the Federal Parliament by May 29.
However, Singha Durbar is noticeably quieter this year. Although the budget preparation calendar has been initiated, the work is currently being handled only at the administrative level. As a result, the political leadership is not yet actively engaged.
Additionally, it is uncommon to see citizens visiting Singha Durbar for administrative tasks like transfers and promotions. With most ministers absent since the recent elections held on February 21, many ministries appear vacant. Some ministers left to contest in the elections, leaving a single minister to manage multiple ministries, resulting in a deserted atmosphere. While citizens with administrative matters still approach the staff, their numbers are minimal.
Balram Acharya, who came from Baglung for educational purposes, mentions he will need to stay in Kathmandu for a few more days. “I’ve been here for days, but without a minister, my work is at a standstill. I plan to go home only after the new cabinet is formed,” he explained.
Singha Durbar, which typically bustles with political party workers and local representatives, now appears almost deserted. Ministry employees report that citizens, who directly interact with developmental programs, are not arriving in large numbers as they did in the past.
A staff member in the Ministry of Education confided that policy-driven functions are paused without a minister. Usually, during budget preparation, the minister’s office is packed with visitors, but it currently only has vacant chairs and a few employees. A notice with former Minister Mahabir Pun’s phone number hangs on the wall, a reminder from when he was personally reachable for public grievances. Now, without a minister, the traffic has ceased.
In the aftermath of an organizational protest on September 8 and 9, which left the Ministry of Health and Population operating from temporary shelters, Minister Dr. Sudha Gautam has taken informal leave, leaving the ministry unusually quiet. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki voiced concerns, noting challenges in carrying out tasks without a minister amid the budget process. “People are waiting for a new minister. The presence of a minister during budget time would indeed enhance effectiveness,” he stated.
Typically, the budget season brings excitement not just within ministries but around Singha Durbar. Historically, officials rushing around with files added a lively charm to the scene. However, observing the current stillness feels strange, recounted Home Ministry official Kedar Ghimire.
“People used to wait for their turn by lounging in canteens, filling them up with chatter and laughter. There used to be lines of people entering from the very gates — now it’s eerily quiet,” he reflected.
Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Uday Bahadur Ranamagar of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology remarked on the critical nature of budget preparation for all ministries. Reflecting on the past, he noted that they scarcely got a break to grab a snack during these busy times. “Without a minister, public interactions are significantly reduced, and this deficit is palpable during such a crucial period,” he stated.
Following the elections on February 21, all newly elected members of the House of Representatives are scheduled to take their oath on Thursday. Once the new Prime Minister is sworn in on Friday, the formation of the cabinet will follow, and the hustle and bustle at Singha Durbar will resume.
