KATHMANDU, May 28 -- Despite criticism from various quarters, the government has given continuity to the Local Infrastructure Development Program (LIDP), previously known as the Constituency Development Fund.

Presenting the budget for fiscal year 2020/21, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada announced that he has allocated Rs 6.6 billion for the program. Each of the 240 electoral constituencies will now receive Rs 40 million under the program.

The budget allocated for the LIDP is Rs 3.3 billion less than what was earmarked in the previous fiscal year.

The LIDP, which is commonly known as the constituency development fund, has drawn widespread criticism for the pork-barrel spending. The program has been given continuity despite the fact ...