The new government of Nepal, which is led by Maoist former rebels, has presented its first national budget, reports BBC online Friday.
Some of its measures are likely to be highly popular, including the cancellation of debts and a series of allowances (tilskud) for the poorest people. Others are likely to provide a measure of reassurance for people believing in capitalism but afraid that the Maoists may lead the country towards communism.
The Maoists came to power in April after a convincing election victory.
Disadvantaged people, including widows, disabled people and so-called untouchables, will get a monthly allowance of about 8 US dollar (godt 40 DKR) – a large sum in a poor Nepalese village. And there will be four extra years of free education for some poor children.
Many bank loans taken out by the poorest people will be cancelled, or interest payments rescinded (ophævet), at the governments expense and families of those who died or were made to disappear during the 10-year bloody civil war will get compensation of around 1.500 dollar.
The budget is 40 per cent more costly than last years.
