KATHMANDU: The government has announced a series of new education, health, and sports initiatives in the federal budget for fiscal year 2026/27.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle said Nepali migrant workers abroad will be able to pursue higher education through distance-learning programs under Nepal Open University.

The government also plans to gradually upgrade major hospitals in all seven provinces into teaching and specialized health centers using investment from public funds including the EPF, CIT, and Social Security Fund.

In the sports sector, at least 10 football stadiums across the country will be upgraded with floodlights and seating capacity for 8,000 spectators within the next three years.