Speaker Devraj Ghimire has stressed the need for Parliament to enact urgent laws promptly to address growing public discontent.
In a brief address to Parliament at the start of the sixth session of the House of Representatives on Friday, Speaker Ghimire highlighted the importance of a collective commitment to finalizing necessary legislation. He reminded lawmakers that the primary responsibility of Parliament is to make laws and emphasized that timely enactment is essential for addressing public dissatisfaction.
Noting that Parliament is a platform for representing the people’s voices, Ghimire said national issues should be debated in the House, with decisions made in line with public aspirations. He expressed confidence that the newly commenced budget session would successfully formulate new laws alongside 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 through an effective Parliament.
Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, echoed similar concerns, stating that problems are escalating due to delays in law-making. Addressing the House of Representatives, he said many national issues stem from a protracted legislative process and warned that failure to complete law-making within stipulated timeframes would worsen the situation. He cited teachers’ protests, civil servants’ warnings, and doctors’ movements as examples of dissatisfaction caused by delayed legislation.
CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Barshaman Pun criticized the government for failing to address public frustration. He called for the prime minister and ministers to publicly declare their assets, noting that this had not been done even 10 months after the government assumed office. Pun also accused the government of retaliating against opposition parties and highlighted the lack of progress on the constitution amendment process promised during government formation.
CPN (UML) Secretary and lawmaker Gokarna Raj Bista emphasized that Parliament should focus on fulfilling the public’s aspirations for development and prosperity. Urging political parties and the government to maintain the dignity of Parliament, he said Parliament must function in a restrained and dignified manner to instill hope among citizens and uphold democratic values. He called for this session to be result-oriented by learning from previous shortcomings.
Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Dol Prasad Aryal urged the government to identify key national issues and address problems affecting citizens’ daily lives. Speaking during the special hour, he called for realistic policies, programs, and budgets that prioritize education, health, and employment. Aryal also stressed the need to reduce unproductive expenditures, curb corruption, and promote good governance.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Prasad Lingden focused on the need for a budget that strengthens Nepal’s fragile economy. He criticized the practice of drafting budgets based on political interests and called for an end to funneling funds solely to leaders’ constituencies. Lingden also reiterated his party’s demand for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the incident that took place in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28, alleging that the government had responded to the event with repression.
