KATHMANDU: Top leaders from the ruling coalition parties—CPN-UML and Nepali Congress—held a high-level meeting in Baluwatar on Wednesday evening, focusing on pending legislation and government priorities.
The informal talks were led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and attended by senior leaders including Congress Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Energy Minister Deepak Khadka.
According to one of the attending ministers, the discussion revolved primarily around government business in Parliament. Key topics included disputes within the Civil Service Bill—especially the controversial cooling-off period clause—the Education Bill, and the Water Resources Bill.
The group also discussed policy provisions related to the hydropower sector introduced through the new budget, as well as grievances raised by hydropower entrepreneurs.
The meeting took place as deliberations continue in the House of Representatives over the government’s proposed budget. Despite obstructions from lawmakers of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the Speaker has been moving parliamentary proceedings forward. However, Wednesday’s meeting was postponed to allow parties time to conduct internal consultations.
The government faces mounting pressure to pass the Education Bill by Asar 15 (June 29) in accordance with earlier commitments made to teachers. There is also urgency to pass the Civil Service Bill within the current session.
While RSP and RPP continue to obstruct proceedings, the main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has agreed not to block the House after reaching a two-point understanding with the ruling alliance. Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has committed in Parliament to form an investigation committee within a month to probe issues related to the visit visa controversy.
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