Government plans to increase senior citizen allowance to Rs 5,000 per month

 The government is planning to increase allowance of senior citizens as it is preparing to hold election.

While addressing his party gathering organised at Chishankhugadhi in Okhaldhunga today, deputy prime minister Ishwor Pokhrel today confirmed to increase the allowance of senior citizens to Rs 5,000 per month.

Though, the Nepal Communist party (NCP) – during the election – had promised to increase the allowance in its election manifesto, the government lacks resources due to shrinking revenue base. However, Pokharel also blamed the breakaway faction – in his own words – of ruling party opposed the plan to implement in the last fiscal year. He however, did not mentions who opposed the government plan.

But the idea of distribution of state resources – to take political benefit by any party – is the misuse of the tax paid by the people. The government is expected to bring such distributive programmes to attract more votes in the election that is has proposed for April and May. The minister also argued that the government decided to seek a fresh mandate of the people as it was cornered and barred from working smoothly. He reiterated that the government is committed to work for the development and prosperity of people.