Delayed winter session to begin on January 31

KATHMANDU: Amid growing opposition protests, the government has recommended to President Ram Chandra Paudel to convene the winter session of the federal parliament.

The cabinet, in a meeting on Monday, proposed that the session of both houses—House of Representatives and the National Assembly—begin on January 31 at 1 pm.

Minister for Drinking Water, Pradeep Yadav, confirmed the decision after the cabinet’s discussion on Tuesday.

The recommendation follows discussions between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Monday, where they agreed on the January 31 date. This recommendation now awaits the President’s approval.

Opposition parties, including the Maoist Center, have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the delay in convening the winter session.

They raised concerns over important bills and pre-budget matters that remain unaddressed due to the delayed session. Seven opposition parties held a press conference last Friday, demanding a special session if the winter session was not convened promptly.

The delay has also been compounded by the government’s issuance of five ordinances without parliament’s formal approval, which opposition parties have criticized as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

The winter session this year will begin one and a half months later than in 2024, further fueling opposition grievances.