Budget raises civil servants’ salaries by 21 percent, boosts spending on sports, health and social welfare

Government announces pay rise after four-year freeze, expands health insurance funding, pledges new stadiums and launches support programmes for Gen-Z movement victims.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle on Friday announced a 21 percent increase in salaries for government employees while unveiling a broad package of welfare, infrastructure, sports and healthcare measures in the budget for fiscal year 2026-27.