Kathmandu, July 6:

Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Friday said that the government would introduce a full-fledged budget by forging consensus among the political parties.

Receiving the memorandum submitted by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at his office, PM Bhattarai urged the private sector to help in preparing a full-fledged budget by forging consensus.

"As the economic and business sector could not take the right path in the absence of the full-fledged budget, I urge the private sector to help in the government’s move in forging consensus among the political parties in this regard," PM Bhattarai said, according to Suresh Kumar Basnet, president of NCC.

At a time when the opposition parties were urging President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav not to endorse the full-fledged budget as planned by the government, the private sector intensified discussions with the political parties and the government to bring a full budget through consensus.

Saying that a partial budget would not address the economic needs of the country, the Prime Minister assured a full-fledged budget, he informed. "Welcoming the PM’s stands we urged the government to forge consensus among the political parties to ensure the implementation of the budget."

In its memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the NCC has called for priority on economic prosperity, poverty eradication and creating business environment.

The chamber has also demanded implementation of the Special Economic Zone project with top priority.

Saying that the present economic situation of the country was good, the chamber urged the government to focus on moving the economy in the steady path.

Meanwhile, our correspondent from Pokhara writes: Secretary of the newly formed CPN-Maoist Dev Gurung has warned that the government will face dire consequences if it brought a full budget without the agreement of the opposition parties.

Speaking at a press meet organized here on Friday, Gurung said that

the government, which has only a caretaker status, has no right to introduce a full budget.

A caretaker government can bring only a partial budget. No provision of the interim constitution allows it to present a full budget, said Gurung. He said that a full fledged budget may be introduced after agreement of all the political parties.

"If the government insists for the full budget, the consequence will be disastrous", Gurung said.

Gurung said that Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai should resign as it is only the way to open way for an environment of consensus. "Removal of this government is the first condition for consensus. Rest of the issues may be discussed later," he added.

If the current government does not resign, then the new government will replace it through street protests, said Gurung.

He said the constituent assembly could be revived for a brief period if the political parties agree on the contentious issues of the constitution.

However, the CA cannot be reinstated amid existing situation of discord and deadlock, Gurung said.

The CA needs to be revived for amending the interim constitution. This is necessary even for conducting the fresh CA election, Gurung said.