Although most experts agree on the focus areas, they are divided on whether the size of the budget must be larger or smaller than in the previous years.

The Nepal Army which was allocated a handsome amount of Rs15.1 billion to speed up works related to Kathmandu-Nijgadh Fast-Track, has returned Rs2.83 billion through the Defence Ministry.

According to the Foreign Employment Board, at least 127,000 Nepali migrant workers are expected to return home from the Gulf and Malaysia after international travel restrictions are lifted.

The central bank has allowed banks to provide one time foreign exchange facility upto $500 per student.

But, opportunities in other sectors should also be explored based on their skill sets as all migrant workers won’t be interested in agriculture, they say.

Trade unions want government to enforce its decision on wages for workers.

After the government prevented domestic and foreign non-government organisations from distributing relief in cash, they write a joint letter to draw its attention.

Drivers and their assistants need to self-declare they are free of Covid-19

The expected drop has been attributed to the global economic slowdown triggered by the coronavirus outbreak as well as fall in oil prices, according to the World Bank.

Social Welfare Council has allowed the non-governmental sector to procure medical equipment and run relief programmes.

Government is looking at funds between Rs69 billion and Rs104 billion, equivalent to 2 to 3 percent of the GDP, to bridge the resource gap, officials say.

Debt relief for six months will help Nepal channelise its financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts.

Many factories close down after sending their workers home with paid leave.

The Covid-19 pandemic has emptied Thamel of foreign visitors, who form the primary customer base for the tourist hub’s hundreds of restaurants and bars.

The directives come at a time when Nepal is preparing for mutual evaluation this year with Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering of its compliance with the global standards on anti-money laundering and terrorist financing.