May 10: The government has planned to keep rapid economic growth in its priority list in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Finance Minister Yaba Raj Khatiwada made such announcement while tabling the appropriation bill at the federal parliament on Wednesday, May 9.

Minister Khatiwada said it is the priority of the government to implement the basic rights of the people and usher rapid economic growth.

"Our upcoming programmes will be focused on sustainable development. We will also strive to attain economic prosperity through poverty eradication," said Khatiwada.

According to the minister, the government will prioritize clean drinking water, access to basic health facilities, health insurance, reduction of illiteracy, public education, creation of employment opportunities, advancement of skills of labourers and tourism development in the budget for the upcoming FY.

The finance minister further said that the government will not allocate budget for small projects as the local units will be responsible for such activities under the new federal structure.

He further said that the government has also listed the earthquake reconstruction works in its priority list while the government is also planning to increase the criteria of social security allowances.

According to Khatiwada, the upcoming budget will include the issue of health insurance for all the citizens.