Bhaktapur, the historic and smallest municipality in Nepal, has announced a budget of Rs 2.473 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
The budget was presented today at the 18th Municipal Assembly by Deputy Speaker of the Municipality, Rajani Joshi. Bhaktapur Municipality, which spans just 6.88 square kilometers, lies within Bhaktapur District, Nepal's smallest district, covering an area of 119 square kilometers.
In recognition of Bhaktapur's cultural and historical significance, the local government has allocated the budget across various sectors with a strong emphasis on education, health and heritage preservation.
Of the total budget, Rs 1.52 billion (61.67%) has been allocated toward current expenditures while Rs 804.8 million (32.54%) has been set aside for capital expenditures. Similarly, Rs 143 million (5.78%) has been allocated under financial management.
Among the budget key priorities, the education sector has received the highest priority, with Rs 544 million (21.85%) of the total budget earmarked for its development. According to the local representative, this reflects the sentiments of the locals.
To enhance local healthcare services, Rs 50 million has been allocated for the enhancement of Khwopa Hospital and Rs 7.5 million has been set aside for the construction of the Khanchapukhu Health Post.
In line with Bhaktapur's identity as a city of living heritage, Rs 3.75 million has been allocated for the enhancement of local ghats (cremation grounds), Rs 30 million has been designated for the reconstruction of Thanthu Palace and Rs 10.6 million has been allocated for the restoration of a local religious site.
As she said, the budget reflects the municipality's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while investing in education and healthcare for sustainable development. (RSS)
.
