The National Council members asked the Finance Minister why unlike the 10th Five Year Plan; budget allocation for current expenditure is more than capital expenditure in the 11th Five Year Plan.
The Finance Minister, Namgay Dorji, was presenting the budget report in the National Council, today.
Lyonpo said that since the economy has gone done and rupee crunch is still prevailing, less budget has been allocated for capital expenditure. “It is also for the purpose of salary raise for civil servants and parliamentarians.”
The overall budget outlay for the 11th plan is Nu.213 billion and of that Nu.121 billion is for current expenditure and Nu.92 billion for capital expenditure.
The Finance Minister said salaries and allowances for public servants and expenditure for management of offices are included in current expenditure.
Capital expenditure means expenses for infrastructural development, procurement of equipment and human resource development.
The Finance Minister also informed the council members that internal revenue will be generated towards the end of the eleventh plan.
The Paro’s National Council Member also said since there is a shortage of manpower in the Local Government; he is apprehensive how well the budget will be utilized as per the plans. Thus, he asked the minister if government has plans to address the matter