Nepal, May 6 -- Lawmaker Bhanu Bhakta Joshi has said that the parliamentary discussion on the government's annual policies and programs has become nothing more than a formality.

Speaking during Tuesday's session of the federal parliament, Joshi noted that ministers and secretaries have already declared a "budget lock," meaning that no suggestions or changes raised during the debate would be incorporated.

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"The policies and programs were presented late. Even if we speak now, there will be no revisions. It is unlikely to influence the budget. Ministers and secretaries in various ministries have said the budget has already been locked," Joshi stated, "There wi...