Morang – Although the law requires local governments to present their budgets by Ashad 10, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City unveiled its policies, programs, and budget for the fiscal year 2082/83 three months late. In the 17th municipal assembly held on Saturday, Deputy Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha presented a budget of Rs 2.20 billion.

According to the budget, revenue sources include Rs 805.3 million from internal revenue, Rs 892.9 million in federal grants, Rs 773.4 million in provincial grants, and Rs 341.8 million from revenue sharing. In addition, Rs 20 million is expected from the Road Board and Rs 70 million carried over from last year.

On the expenditure side, the largest allocation of Rs 669.4 million has been set aside for urban planning and physical infrastructure development. Similarly, Rs 468.5 million is allocated for education, youth, and sports, Rs 69.9 million for health, and Rs 48.6 million for social development.

Other allocations include Rs 12.9 million for economic development, Rs 27.4 million for forestry, environment, energy, and disaster management, Rs 2 million for law and justice, Rs 1.5 million for public land protection, Rs 4.3 million for revenue mobilization, and Rs 50.5 million for the municipal vision program. Each of Dharan’s 20 wards will also receive Rs 210 million in the current fiscal year.