By Our Reporter Pre-budget discussions have begun in both the Houses of the federal parliament. As only a fortnight is left to table the budget, and summoning of the budget session was delayed due to coronavirus fear, the government has been in haste to prepare the budget. As a result, the lawmakers discussed the budget only for two days. However, most of the lawmakers from both the ruling and main opposition suggested the government that it should table only partial budget considering the COVID-19 crisis. Minendra Rijal, former minister and lawmaker of the main opposition Nepali Congress, suggested drafting a partial budget. Rijal said that economic and other losses caused by the virus pandemic were still unpredictable which was why fixing priority of a full budget was not appropriate. Janardan Sharma, former minister and leader of ruling party, stated that economy was badly affected due to COVID-19 pandemic and the situation was still unpredictable, and suggested drafting only a partial budget for now to the government. Similarly, Gokarna Bista commented that the government’s priority was traditional which could not bring the economy in the right track. Bista suggested the government to be more concise specifically on the issues of unemployment, food security, health safety and labour management. Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada clarified in the National Assembly that saving life of people from COVID-19 pandemic was the un-debatable priority of the government during this global crisis. Responding to the queries of lawmakers in the National Assembly on Monday, Minister Khatiwada, who is also the spokesperson of the government, said that eradicating the problems of economy was the government’s responsibility but saving lives was the topmost priority. Dr Khatiwada tabled ‘Appropriation Bill Theory and Priority (except tax)’ for next fiscal year in both of the Houses of Federal Parliament on Sunday for detailed discussion. The government will prepare the budget on the basis of this theory and priority. Minister Dr Khatiwada said that the government was trying to maintain a balance in the economic activities and health security in the document. He signalled at prioritizing agriculture for increasing productivity and health for ensuring sound health services in the budget in his speech. Minister Khatiwada favoured for strengthening local levels and States by providing required resources through budget allocation and highlighted the structural development and capacity building. Minister Dr Khatiwada also expressed his concerns about the Non-residential Nepalis in India and overseas and said that the government was serious enough towards them.