KATHMANDU: The seven-point Pokhara Declaration, adopted during the 10th Conference of the Inter-Legislature Forum, Nepal, has been officially submitted to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The handover took place at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday.
The declaration, formulated during the conference held from December 16 to 18, 2024, in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, emphasizes fostering reciprocal relations among the federal, provincial, and local assemblies.
It calls for enhanced coordination to expedite the implementation of federalism and constitutional provisions, particularly regarding drafting laws under concurrent rights.
One of the key points of the declaration is the need to further clarify the roles of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Vice Chair of the National Assembly, and provincial deputy speakers.
It suggests incorporating these clarifications into the relevant regulations to ensure smooth functioning and better coordination of parliamentary thematic committees.
The declaration also pledges to conduct evaluations of law implementation and post-legislative audits at both federal and provincial levels.
These evaluations are to be carried out in coordination with the government, with provisions incorporated into legislative frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
To strengthen legislative oversight, the declaration recommends establishing a practice of thoroughly reviewing government policies, proposed budgets, and expenditures at the legislative level. It also emphasizes the importance of providing training to legislators to enhance their capacity and effectiveness.
Prime Minister Oli, addressing the ceremony, expressed his commitment to promoting coordination among governments at all levels. He urged legislators to consider the country’s economic status while proposing budgets and called on ministers to take parliamentary leadership’s proposals seriously.
House Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayana Prasad Dahal, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, NA Vice Chair Bimala Ghimire, and speakers and deputy speakers from all seven provinces were present during the handover. Federal Parliament Secretary General Padam Prasad Pandey also attended the event.
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