Kathmandu — The Ministry of Finance has approved Rs 19.11 billion in resource consent for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21, ensuring funding for key state agencies involved in the electoral process.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the approved budget will be distributed among three major institutions: the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Election Commission, and the Ministry of Defense. Among them, the Home Ministry has received the largest allocation.
Under the approved framework, the Election Commission has been granted Rs 6.73 billion, the Ministry of Home Affairs Rs 10.39 billion, and the Ministry of Defense Rs 1.99 billion.
Comparison with Previous Elections
During the 2079 House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections, these three bodies had received a total resource consent of Rs 17.99 billion. Of that amount, Rs 15.54 billion (90.89 percent) was spent.
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At that time, the Ministry of Defense utilized its entire allocation, while the Home Ministry spent 99.77 percent of its budget. The Election Commission, however, spent only 81.59 percent of the funds allocated to it.
Budget Demand Trimmed by Rs 2.61 Billion
For the upcoming election, the three institutions had jointly sought Rs 21.72 billion in funding. The Ministry of Finance approved the request after cutting Rs 2.61 billion, citing a policy of controlling election-related expenditures.
Finance Ministry officials said that while budget discipline is being maintained, fund shortages will not affect the election process.
Defense Ministry Allocation for Security Mobilization
The Ministry of Defense has received Rs 1.99 billion, primarily for election security. Of this amount, Rs 1.94 billion has been allocated for current expenditure and Rs 50 million for capital expenditure.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Manoj Kumar Acharya said the funds will be used for military mobilization, including allowances, rations, fuel, housing, and logistics for soldiers deployed during the elections. Capital expenditure will cover vehicles, communication equipment, and machinery.
The Defense Ministry had originally requested Rs 3.52 billion, but the Finance Ministry reduced the allocation by Rs 540 million.
“If the approved amount proves insufficient, we have been assured additional funds will be provided,” Acharya said.
Approximately 80,000 Nepal Army personnel are expected to be mobilized for election security.
Home Ministry and Police Mobilization
The Ministry of Home Affairs had demanded Rs 17.75 billion, but received Rs 10.39 billion. Under this allocation:
- Nepal Police will receive Rs 1.5 billion for mobilization and Rs 7.25 billion for election policing
- Armed Police Force will receive Rs 650 million for mobilization and Rs 800 million for election duties
- National Investigation Department has been allocated Rs 55 million
- Ministry-level expenses account for Rs 135 million
A total of 149,090 election police personnel will be deployed, including 133,980 from Nepal Police and 15,110 from the Armed Police Force.
Election Commission Funding Revised
The Election Commission initially requested Rs 7.81 billion, but the Finance Ministry first approved only Rs 4.93 billion, prompting the commission to seek a budget review. Following discussions, the allocation was revised to Rs 6.73 billion.
Finance Ministry Stresses Cost Control
Finance Ministry spokesperson Tanka Prasad Pandey said the government remains committed to conducting the elections successfully while keeping expenses under control.
“Resource consent is granted after evaluating expenditure needs under each heading. If additional funds are required, they will be made available. The elections will not be affected due to budget constraints,” Pandey said.
