Not a penny for the King in Nepal budget

Kathmandu, July 13 (UNI) For the first time in Nepal's history, the government has not allocated a separate budget for the Royal Palace in the Rs 169 billion budget presented in parliament.

Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said yesterday, ''Since the interim constitution has not given any status to the king like that of earlier years, I have prepared the budget accordingly.'' The king has been suspended and Prime Minister has been working as head of state in the new interim constitution.

Last year, the government had allocated about Rs 210 million for the palace.

Minister Mahat said he had announced the budget as per the spirit of the interim constitution.

Dr Mahat said, "Nationalization of the properties of the Royal Palace will be implemented on a time-bound basis.'' UNI