The Hon. (Mrs.) Sagarika Athauda, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, on 21 September 2024 the people took a historic decision to unite the country under one President and one government representing all people, including North and East, with a new work programme. We presented the plan to build a prosperous country and beautiful lives. This inaugural budget is grounded in citizen participation, collective engagement, social justice, and good governance—aiming to expand opportunities for all to contribute to the economy and to distribute benefits fairly.

¶ 02 In the past, the economy’s gains accrued to a small group. Our aim is economic democracy—spreading benefits among all citizens. This budget provides logical solutions to prevailing issues based on those principles. Yet the Opposition spreads falsehoods instead of engaging fairly.

¶ 03 Regarding taxation: we seek to tax within an expanding economy. Whether you take one slice from a one-pound loaf or two slices from two pounds, the principle differs when the base expands—the goal is fairness with growth.

¶ 04 Our policy platform prioritizes children’s protection and welfare. Under “A Safe World for Children and a Creative Future Generation,” we act with community, family, and school-based cooperation, with domestic and international support, to improve child health including nutrition. This budget reflects that: Rs. 5,000 million for Triposha for undernourished children and pregnant mothers; Rs. 7,500 million for nutrition packs to pregnant mothers; increasing the preschool meal allocation from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 per child.

¶ 05 Early childhood development is crucial; we increased the preschool teacher allowance by Rs. 1,000 to strengthen that foundation.

¶ 06 Women often bear hidden burdens. Mothers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism devote their lives to care. For the first time, this budget addresses such sensitive needs: developing a national programme across health, education and other services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders; Rs. 200 million allocated, aiming to cover all 25 districts within five years, establishing early childhood development and day-care support centres.

¶ 07 On violence against women: to ensure women’s safety and participation in the economy, Rs. 120 million is allocated for prevention and rapid response—because an empowered woman is vital to the national economy.

¶ 08 Entrepreneurship drives a productive economy. About 38% of our population is youth. Post-war and crisis periods left many youths with limited education opportunities and little access to technology and decent livelihoods. We must integrate them into the economy. Rs. 100 million is allocated this year to build youth entrepreneurship through cooperative and alternative production approaches—a long-term investment in national revival.

¶ 09 The budget also recognizes often-forgotten children in care homes—they too are citizens who will inherit this nation. The government’s programme addresses their needs as well.

¶ 10 I conclude by affirming this is a people-centered budget that seeks inclusive growth, fairness, and dignity for every citizen.