No cut for additional budget requests

The Union Parliament today approved additional budget requests of Ks2.54 trillion described in the Union Budget Bill for the 2015-16 fiscal year.

The government asked for Ks1 trillion for revenue expenditure, Ks784 billion for capital expenditure, Ks91 billion for debt, Ks588 billion for capital and Ks71 billion for regions and states.

Khaing Maung Yi, a Lower House MP for Ahlon Township, said: "Parliament could not scrutinise budgetary matters at the beginning of Parliament [in 2011] as there was no time. Since 2012, it came under close scrutiny. But the budget for the 2015-16 financial year has been unsystematic.

"Why do only a few MPs want to discuss it? This topic is only at the discussion stage as it will be carried forward to the next government. It is obvious that there is too little time to scrutinise in detail. Parliament usually assigned duties to committees to check the budget requested by each department. There is no discussion between the ministries and committees over it. They have turned a blind eye to it."

MP Khin San Hlaing from Pale said: "Government needs to carry out budget cuts in some cases. We said that in Parliament. But we have to follow Parliament's decision. Unfinished work should be completed. This money should be spent on essential works effectively. " (Courtesy of Eleven Myanmar)