KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada has resigned from his position as chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee following growing pressure over ethical concerns.
Khatiwada faced criticism for alleged manipulation related to the cooling-off period provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
The controversy intensified after the parliamentary committee, chaired by Khatiwada, passed amendments that were seen as weakening constitutional safeguards on the cooling-off period.
The dispute escalated when the bill reached parliament, prompting a parliamentary investigation committee led by Jeevan Pariyar to hold Khatiwada morally responsible in its report.
This increased pressure led to Khatiwada’s resignation, which he announced during Tuesday’s House of Representatives session.
Khatiwada was elected unopposed as committee chair on September 27, 2023, and had pledged to address various issues, including the gold smuggling case,s during his tenure. However, the ongoing controversy forced him to step down.
The Nepali Congress had earlier directed Khatiwada to resign in response to the growing political and ethical concerns.
Comment