Kathmandu, Jan 31:
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that the key issues for constitution amendment will be identified after holding intensive discussions with various parties.
Addressing the first meeting of the fifth session of House of Representatives here today, PM Oli said that they would first review a wide range of issues before considering amendment in the national statute and formulating laws accordingly.
The wide range of issues as mentioned by the Head of the Government were examining and assessing the strength and weakness emerging since the implementation of constitution and complexities during its practice and then prioritizing amendment of constitution and formulation of consistent legislation.
He mentioned the coalition partners–Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) have formed a study taskforce comprising experts. Intensive discussions will be held with parties in the government and issues for the amendment would be identified. ”
PM Oli further said discussions would also be held with other parties representing in and outside the parliament as well as stakeholders on this matter.
“All parties have their own views and stance on the issues. Nevertheless, we will forge a common viewpoint on those issues agreed upon and further discussions will be held on those issues that are not agreed upon,” he said.
He observed that it was the function of government to introduce constitution amendment bill.
On a different note, PM Oli updated the House that 29 Acts were amended by introducing ordinances aimed at promoting good-governance, improving general administration and boosting investment.
Among the 29 ordinances, 11 were related to economic reform and increasing investment, 12 related to promoting good-governance and enhancing public service delivery, 3 related to land and forest.
He added that the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, Privatization Act and Cooperatives Act were amended through ordinances.
Simplifying the process for investors considering investment in Nepal and easing off the company registration process for Nepalis willing to open subsidiaries or branch offices abroad are the notable reforms made in the Acts through ordinances, PM Oli said.
To promote industry, the government has put in place a legal provision requiring the decision-making authorities to act within a maximum of seven days except for the period specified in the law since the submission of application for industry registration, Oli said.
The Prime Minister also mentioned about creating an enabling environment for the IT-based Nepali companies to compete in the international market. He appraised about revoking the irrelevant laws related to consumer rights protection and consumer rights were further protected.
The amendment has also put an end to the situation of entrepreneurs unnecessarily putting up with intimidation from the authority, assured the PM, as he shared that price of the goods will be determined through competition now onwards.
Furthermore, the process of closing the bankrupt or sick industries has been simplified, making it easier for the entrepreneurs to do so without having to experience any hassles, he added.
He also informed the house about amendment in the existing Cooperatives Act to establish the National Cooperative Regulatory Authority to protect the depositors’ money in cooperatives.
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Govt unable to address people’s concern: Dr Bhusal
Kathmandu, Jan 31: National Assembly member Dr Beduram Bhusal has accused the government of not being able to address people’s concern. He said it while addressing the winter session of the Upper House of the parliament that kicked off on Friday.
“The government brought ordinances in a wrong time- four days before the commencement of winter session. The ordinances are not in favour of people,” he argued.
Similarly, lawmaker Mohammad Khalid underlined the need for rising above party interest and working in favour of people. “The bills pending in the parliament needs quick passage with adequate deliberation so that federalism would be strengthened,” he added.
Lawmaker Shekhar Kumar Singh expressed belief that the bills would be forwarded in a way that address problems facing Madhesi people.
Lawmaker Tul Prasad Bishwakarma stressed that the winter session of National Assembly must be successful to work for people and country.
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Six ordinances tabled at HoR
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Six ordinances have been tabled in the parliament on Friday.
On behalf of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, tabled the ‘Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts on Promotion of Good Governance and Public Service Delivery, 2081’ during the meeting of the House of Representatives.
He informed that the ordinance was registered at the parliament to immediately amend some laws for their effectiveness in public service delivery.
Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel tabled the ‘Ordinance on Economic Work Procedure and Fiscal Accountability (1st amendment), 2081’; ‘Privatization (1st amendment), 2081’; and ‘Ordinance designed to amend some laws on Reform in Economic and Commercial Atmosphere and Investment Promotion, 2081’.
Similarly, Minister for Land Reform, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Balram Adhiarki, presented the ‘Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts relating to Cooperatives, 2081’; and ‘Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts relating to Land, 2081.’
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RSP Vice President demands probe committee on all corruption cases
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Vice President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and lawmaker, Dr Swarnim Wagle, has said formation of a parliamentary probe committee was essential to investigate into all issues of corruption and embezzlement occurred so far.
RSP Vice President Dr Wagle said it while addressing the meeting of the House of Representatives begun today. He underlined the need for formation of a high level judicial commission so that the income and property of all those holding public posts could be investigated. “RSP will continue its demand of the formation of such commission under the chairmanship of former chief justice or justice based on the Investigation Commission Act,” he reminded.
Lawmaker Dr Wagle accused the government of harassing his party President Rabi Lamichhane. He expressed his party had trust in judiciary.
The RSP had also urged Speaker Devraj Ghimire to lift the suspension of his party President Lamichhane’s membership of the House of Representatives.
He underlined the need for utilizing the parliament as a platform to make government accountable.
Dr Wagle wondered why the government failed to launch reform packages to address the issues pointed out by the Rameshwor Khanal-led high level economic reform commission. He urged the government to withdraw the bill on social network, revise it and register it at parliament again.
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RPP Chair calls for effective measures to control corruption
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson and parliamentarian Rajendra Lingden stressed on effective measures for corruption control.
Putting forth his views on the behalf of his party in the meeting on House of Representatives today, Chairperson Lingden blamed that the coalition government of the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) failed to meet the expectations of citizens.
He accused that the price of construction materials had exponentially gone up in the wake of introduction of ordinances, criticizing that the government did not deliver any substantial on good-governance.
Drawing the attention towards lack of justice for victims of cooperatives scams, he questioned why the accused leaders close to the ruling parties were sparred while other accused ones were brought to justice.
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Govt.’s move of bringing ordinances not appropriate: Pandey
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey, has shared that government’s move of bringing ordinances without withdrawing bills that are in various parliamentarian committees for discussion was not appropriate.
Putting forth the view on the behalf of his party in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Pandey complained that earthquake affected people have not yet got relief.
He expressed dissatisfaction over delay in forwarding remaining task of the peace process as well as formation of commission related to transitional justice.
Chief Whip Pandey mentioned that problem has surfaced as bills related to federalism implementation have been stuck in committees for long. He also blamed the government for not taking any move to control price hike and to address the problem of cooperative victims.
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Deuba pledges broader political consensus to amend Constitution
Kathmandu, Jan 31: President of Nepali Congress (NC), Sher Bahadur Deuba, has said the Constitution will be amended following a consensus of all political parties.
Addressing the first meeting of the fifth Session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the leader pledged to proceed with the Constitution amendment with priority by reviewing both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ aspects of it.
“The federal democratic republic governance system along with pluralism based on a multi-party competition and inclusion, the specific features of the Constitution, should not be debilitated while amending the country’s main law,” he asserted.
He further expressed his hope that the bills that are under consideration in the parliament will be endorsed by this winter Session which is also referred to as the legislative session.
Recalling the completion of six and half months of the incumbent government, the leader of the major coalition partner stressed the need for the implementation of a seven-point agreement reached between the party and the CPN (UML) during the government formation.
He further claimed the government is delivering in a way that it could address the citizens’ aspirations for development and prosperity.
The government is primarily focused on strengthening the federal democratic republic system, achieving durable peace, ending corruption, and guaranteeing good governance with the economic growth and acceleration of development initiatives on the very back support of this system, according to Deuba who is hopeful that the government will give its better performance in the days ahead. “It is urgent to improve the country’s economic atmosphere.”
The former Prime Minister said that some ordinances were brought by the government recently to promote the business environment and good governance. He said he is hopeful that ordinances will be endorsed by the House.
The NC Parliamentary leader said, “The rule of law is the foundation of democracy and the parliament is the venue for enacting laws. That’s why we are not supposed to make any delay in formulating laws.”
Defining the democratic system as the world’s best system, he said there is no alternative to this system. “Democracy is an alternative to democracy and this political system is capable of making the nation prosperous. Let’s contribute to making this system enhanced, connecting it to the daily life of people,” he said.
Similarly, CPN (UML) lawmaker Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai has argued that recent ordinances introduced by the government are capable of promoting the environment for investment expansion in the nation and addressing the issues of landless people.
Addressing the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting today, the lawmaker from the ruling partner said they have floated the matter of amending the Constitution in a bid to strengthen democracy, and republic and implement the fundamental rights of the citizens more effectively. He also hoped that this session of the parliament would do its legislative roles very effectively.
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Key issues for constitution amendment to be identified after intensive discussions: PM Oli
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that the key issues for constitution amendment will be identified after holding intensive discussions with various parties.
Addressing the first meeting of the fifth session of House of Representatives here today, PM Oli said that they would first review a wide range of issues before considering amendment in the national statute and formulating laws accordingly.
The wide range of issues as mentioned by the Head of the Government were examining and assessing the strength and weakness emerging since the implementation of constitution and complexities during its practice and then prioritizing amendment of constitution and formulation of consistent legislation.
He mentioned the coalition partners–Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) have formed a study taskforce comprising experts. Intensive discussions will be held with parties in the government and issues for the amendment would be identified. ”
PM Oli further said discussions would also be held with other parties representing in and outside the parliament as well as stakeholders on this matter.
“All parties have their own views and stance on the issues. Nevertheless, we will forge a common viewpoint on those issues agreed upon and further discussions will be held on those issues that are not agreed upon,” he said.
He observed that it was the function of government to introduce constitution amendment bill.
On a different note, PM Oli updated the House that 29 Acts were amended by introducing ordinances aimed at promoting good-governance, improving general administration and boosting investment.
Among the 29 ordinances, 11 were related to economic reform and increasing investment, 12 related to promoting good-governance and enhancing public service delivery, 3 related to land and forest.
He added that the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, Privatization Act and Cooperatives Act were amended through ordinances.
Simplifying the process for investors considering investment in Nepal and easing off the company registration process for Nepalis willing to open subsidiaries or branch offices abroad are the notable reforms made in the Acts through ordinances, PM Oli said.
To promote industry, the government has put in place a legal provision requiring the decision-making authorities to act within a maximum of seven days except for the period specified in the law since the submission of application for industry registration, Oli said.
The Prime Minister also mentioned about creating an enabling environment for the IT-based Nepali companies to compete in the international market. He appraised about revoking the irrelevant laws related to consumer rights protection and consumer rights were further protected.
The amendment has also put an end to the situation of entrepreneurs unnecessarily putting up with intimidation from the authority, assured the PM, as he shared that price of the goods will be determined through competition now onwards.
Furthermore, the process of closing the bankrupt or sick industries has been simplified, making it easier for the entrepreneurs to do so without having to experience any hassles, he added.
He also informed the house about amendment in the existing Cooperatives Act to establish the National Cooperative Regulatory Authority to protect the depositors’ money in cooperatives.
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UML Chief Whip Neupane insists on assessing implementation of acts
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Chief Whip of the CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party in the National Assembly (NA), Bhagawati Neupane, has stressed the need to set the practice of evaluating the implementation status of acts.
Addressing the 17th Session of the National Assembly (NA) that convened today, she said only the legislation enactment is not the responsibility of lawmakers. She advised them to assess the implementation status of existing acts and laws.
The leader further underscored the need for wider cooperation for positive changes and enhanced democracy. She added seven bills that were earlier sent to the House of Representatives (HoR) are under consideration there and three bills have been registered in the NA.
“A pile-up of bills in the HoR is not anticipated,” she argued, underling the need for dialogues within the parliament to prove that bills are in the interest of the people and the nation.
The UML Chief Whip went on to say that the Land Management Act is aimed at addressing issues of landless people and easing hurdles in serving the citizens. Similarly, Neupane claimed that recent ordinances brought by the government are in the interests of the citizens.
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PM Oli addresses Parliament’s Session, claims progress in development endeavors
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has claimed progress in ongoing development endeavors.
In his address to the fifth Session of the House of Representatives that convened today, the Prime Minister said the successful completion of projects launched to achieve prosperity in the nation is among the goals of the government.
“The government is making steady progress in executing projects that contribute to a prosperous Nepal,” he stated.
Citing the recent breakthrough on the Siddhababa tunnel as a significant achievement, he said that the project will help minimize travel difficulties for passengers while enhancing infrastructure sustainability. He also referenced progress on the Dhedre tunnel in Makwanpur, part of the Kathmandu-Terai Madhesh Expressway, and the Jogbani-Kimathanka project, a project of national pride.
Similarly, construction on the Butwal-Narayangadh road section is advancing, and efforts are underway to develop the Kirtipur Cricket Ground into a stadium equipped with floodlights, according to the Prime Minister, who further said the completion of an advanced stadium in Surkhet and the resumption of several previously stalled projects are among the achievements of the incumbent government.
Regarding political stability, he said that Parliament is now free from the recurrent compulsion of the Prime Minister seeking a vote of confidence.
“In the past six months, our experience is that we are free from the repeated need to test our vote of confidence,” he said.
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RSP boycotts HoR meeting
Kathmandu, Jan 31: Lawmakers of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have boycotted the first meeting of the fifth session of the House of Representatives today.
Soon after the commencement of the meeting, the RSP lawmakers demanded to allow them to put forth their views in the emergency hour.
However, Speaker Devraj Ghimire said no agenda of emergency hour was determined in today’s meeting, adding lawmakers would be allowed to put forth their views on behalf of their parties.
The RSP lawmakers stood up from their respective seats and obstructed the meeting for around half-an-hour. They walked out from the meeting after Speaker Ghimire proceed the meeting amidst the RSP’s protest.
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RSP obstructs HoR meeting
Kathmandu, Jan 31: The first meeting of the fifth session of House of Representatives has been disrupted by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
The RSP parliamentarians stood from their respective seats to obstruct the meeting as soon as it started. Although Speaker Devraj Ghimire repeatedly urged the protesting parliamentarians to proceed with meeting’s agendas, they continued their protest.
Speaker Ghimire requested the parliamentarians for facilitation on their part for the meeting to advance into agenda since time was allocated for the lawmakers to air their views on behalf of their parties but to no vial.
“We had adequately discussed on the agendas of the meeting in the Business Advisory Committee. As per the agenda, all HoR members can voice their views on the behalf of their parties. Please be seated and cooperate for conduct of the meeting,” appealed the Speaker.
After the RSP parliamentarians did not budge from their protest, the Speaker then ordered them to sit down. The protesting parliamentarians did not obey the Speaker’s order.
They have been demanding to put for their views in the emergency hour while Speaker Ghimire made it clear that time has been allocated for every political parties and thus urged them to voice their views during the allotted time.
The Speaker also drew the attention towards difference between the regular meetings and the first meeting of any session.
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Let’s continue with good parliamentary practices: Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu, Jan 31: House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Devraj Ghimire has expressed his hope that the fifth Session of the Federal Parliament that commenced today will be productive in terms of enacting laws and addressing the issues of public concerns.
Welcoming the HoR members to the meeting, the Speaker said the parliament carries a significant value in democracy, and disputes, discussions, and dialogues are expected in the parliament. “But our conclusions should be for finding an agreement. Political parties representing here with people’s mandate should not confine themselves to a narrow space but should explore a wider course for the national interests.”
The respectful exchanges of logic and opinions by ruling and opposition parties would help make the parliamentary function effective, he said, adding that mutual respect, cooperation, and unity will help find a historic success for formulating policies and laws by ending existing issues in the nation.
“I hope the Session will inspire all of us to deliver in the interest of the nation and citizens by going on with good practices of the past,” he said.
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HoR meeting begins
Kathmandu, Jan 31: The fifth session of the House of Representatives has begun at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor.
In the beginning of the meeting, Speaker Devraj Ghimire welcomed the parliamentarians. Soon after this, tribute was paid to known and unknown martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for democracy and republicanism, by observing one minute’s silence.
The agenda has been determined where the Speaker would read different letters sent by the President including on the commencement of the winter session. Similarly, the Speaker would nominate a member to chair the meeting as well as lawmakers would put their views on behalf of their parties on the commencement day of the session as practiced earlier.
Likewise, Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts related to Promoting Good Governance and Public Service Delivery, 2081′, ‘Ordinance related to Financial Procedure and Fiscal Responsibility (First Amendment), 2081′, Ordinance related to Privatization (First Amendment), 2081’ and ‘Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts related to Improving Economic and Business Environment and Investment Promotion, 2081’, ‘Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts related to Cooperatives, 2081′, and Ordinance designed to amend some Nepal Acts related to Land Management, 2081’ would be tabled in today’s meeting, it is said.
