2day's NEWS:

Govt serious towards fulfilling civil servent' demand:

Finance Minister Surendra Pandey has said that the government is serious towards the demands of the civil servants for an increment in their salary.

In a press briefing held at the ministry Tuesday, Minister Pandey said the demand (of the civil servants) 'is not big' and can be considered.

Reminding the civil servants that the government has increased their allowances substantially, he urged the agitating employees to withdraw their protest and come to the negotiating table to solve the matter amicably.

Responding to criticism that the budget is inflated, Pandey said projections of revenue was made as per the trend seen this fiscal year and that on foreign donations based on the commitments made by the donors for grants and loans.

Accepting the challenges to meet the targets set by the budget, Pandey also claimed the government will implement it well.

Speaking on the occasion, vice chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr Yuva Raj Khatiwada said the size of the budget has unexpectedly increased due to the pressure on the government to address grievances of all sides. He said part of the budget will also be used to prepare the country for its smooth transition into a federal nation.