KATHMANDU: As the winter session of the federal parliament is set to kick off this Monday, opposition parties are gearing up to bring crucial issues to the forefront.
In a parliamentary democracy, the role of opposition is considered significant in overseeing government activities and ensuring the effectiveness of the parliament.
Entering the second year since the second general elections following the 2015 constitution, the current parliament is poised to address a multitude of essential bills to enforce the constitution and federalism.
The revised budget calendar this year indicates pre-budget discussions within this session.
Opposition parties are strategically planning to raise pressing issues such as corruption, black marketing, the exodus of youths, and the urgency of legislative actions for constitutional enforcement.
Currently, there are 24 bills in the federal parliament, with more in the pipeline. The work advisory committee of the National Assembly has endorsed a tentative agenda for the upcoming months.
Expressing concern over the government’s perceived lackadaisical efforts in advancing good governance, social justice, development, and prosperity, opposition parties are gearing up for robust discussions in the parliament.
Mahesh Bartaula, the Whip of the parliamentary party of the major opposition CPN UML, emphasized the importance of the government giving business to the parliament and expressed disappointment over the slow progress in this regard.
Bartaula emphasized the need for timely introduction and passage of bills, particularly those required to enforce the constitution. The economic challenges facing the country, the necessity of attracting new industries, and the overall investment-friendly environment are highlighted as top priorities for the opposition.
Other opposition leaders, including Chitra Bahadur KC of Rastriya Janamorcha and Prabhu Saha of Aam Janata Party, also echoed their commitment to raising issues related to corruption, sovereignty, and the well-being of the people during the winter parliament session.
On the ruling side, leaders express hope for an effective winter session focused on making laws.
Hitraj Pandey, Chief Whip of CPN (Maoist Centre), emphasized the need for a schedule to accelerate the endorsement of pending bills, including those related to truth and reconciliation, money laundering, education, and province police adjustments.
The winter session will also deliberate on the budget for the next fiscal year, with a focus on the ordinance issued after the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
While leaders from the ruling alliance are optimistic about contributing positively to the legislative process, they call for a more accelerated pace in endorsing bills.
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