KATHMANDU, April 25: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has emphasized the need to enact urgent laws promptly to address growing public discontent.
In a brief address to Parliament at the commencement of the sixth session of the House of Representatives on Friday, Speaker Ghimire stressed the importance of a shared commitment to finalize the laws that need to be framed by Parliament. "The main responsibility of Parliament is to make laws," he said, adding that the timely enactment of laws helps address public dissatisfaction.
Stating that Parliament is a platform for representing the people's voices, Speaker Ghimire noted that national issues should be debated in the House and decisions taken in line with the public's aspirations.
He expressed confidence that the budget session of the House of Representatives, which began today, would successfully formulate new laws along with the government’s policies and programs. According to him, strengthening democracy, ensuring good governance and accountability, and building a people-responsive government can only be achieved by enhancing Parliament’s effectiveness.
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On the occasion, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, said problems were escalating due to delays in law-making. Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives, he said many of the issues facing the country had emerged due to a protracted legislative process.
Ghimire stated, "If we do not implement the law-making process within the stipulated timeframe, the problem will grow and become more complex." He added that the teachers' protests, civil servants’ warnings, and doctors' movements all stem from procedural delays in drafting laws. He urged sensitivity to these pressing concerns.
CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Barshaman Pun said the prime minister and ministers should publicly declare their assets. He criticized the government for failing to do so even 10 months after assuming office. Speaking on party lines in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Pun, who is also the deputy general secretary of the Maoist Centre, accused the government of failing to address public frustration and dissatisfaction.
He further alleged that the government was retaliating against opposition parties and said the constitution amendment process, mentioned during the government’s formation, had not progressed.
Likewise, CPN (UML) Secretary and lawmaker Gokarna Raj Bista said the ongoing session of Parliament should focus on fulfilling the public’s aspirations for development and prosperity. He urged political parties and the government to work toward addressing citizens’ dissatisfaction while maintaining the dignity of Parliament.
Describing Parliament as a place to exercise people’s sovereignty, Bista said it should function in a restrained and dignified manner. "If Parliament can instill hope among citizens, it will uphold the values and principles of democracy," he said, adding that this session should be result-oriented by learning from previous sessions.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dol Prasad Aryal called on the government to identify key national issues and resolve problems affecting citizens’ daily lives. Speaking during the special hour of the House of Representatives meeting, he urged the government to formulate realistic policies, programs, and budgets in this annual session.
Aryal recommended that the government prioritize education, health, and employment generation in the upcoming budget, while also ensuring social justice and inclusion. He stressed the need to reduce unproductive expenditures, curb corruption, and promote good governance.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Prasad Lingden emphasized the need for a budget that strengthens Nepal’s fragile economy. Speaking in the first meeting of the ongoing session of the House of Representatives, Lingden said the budget should focus on genuine needs rather than political influence and accessibility.
"The practice of drafting budgets based on leaders' interests and funneling funds solely to their constituencies must end," he stated.
The RPP reiterated its demand for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident that occurred at Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28. Lingden alleged that the government responded with repression during the incident.
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