KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday addressed the joint session of the Federal Parliament, presenting the government’s policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year.

The joint sitting of the House of Representatives and National Assembly began at 3 PM at the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor.

The President’s address, mandated under Article 95 of the Constitution of Nepal, outlined the government’s strategic focus on reviving public optimism, especially among youth, by emphasizing entrepreneurship, skill development, startup promotion, and good governance. The policy framework also aims to stimulate government spending in priority sectors.

According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, discussions on the proposed policy and program will take place from Baisakh 22 to 28 (May 5–11), after which it will be endorsed by the Parliament.

Following this, deliberations on the principles and priorities of the annual Appropriation Bill — a preliminary stage of the budget process known as the pre-budget discussion — are scheduled to begin on Baisakh 30 (May 13).

As per the constitutional provision, Finance Minister will table the full budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Jestha 15 (May 29).

The government hopes the policy announcement will build public confidence amid economic challenges and mark the beginning of a more accountable and growth-oriented fiscal cycle.