POKHARA: In Monday’s meeting of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly, members drew the government’s attention to various pressing issues, including budget allocation, development plans, infrastructure, and social inclusion.
During the zero hour, assembly members expressed their views on matters they believe require urgent attention from the provincial government.
Maoist Centre lawmaker Damayanti Ruchal criticized the unequal distribution of the budget, claiming that directly elected and proportional representation lawmakers are treated differently. She called for equal budget allocation, arguing that such discrimination contradicts the values of a republic and echoes the monarchy.
Despite long-standing struggles against such biases, she said they still persist and warned of taking the issue to court if the disparities continue.
Nepali Congress member Sunita Thapa highlighted Gandaki Province’s rich natural resources, cultural diversity, and tourism potential. She stressed the need for a clear roadmap for development through proper planning, prioritization, and result-oriented implementation.
Thapa also advocated for the inclusion of voices from marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, indigenous communities, women from remote areas, and youth in the policymaking process. She emphasized fostering a culture of public participation in the budget-making process by ensuring the involvement of local governments.
Congress lawmaker Tikakumari Basyal called on the government to ensure meaningful participation of the Dalit community, especially women, in economic policy.
With the province currently in the policy and program formulation phase, she urged for targeted initiatives to support Dalit women through entrepreneurship, skill development, financial access, and social security. She pressed for a dedicated strategy, budget, and policies for Dalit empowerment and income generation.
Assembly member Bhakta Bahadur Kunwar pointed out the increasing flow of religious tourists through Pokhara to Muktinath and Upper Mustang. He urged the government to build rest areas and toilets at Korala Pass to better accommodate tourists.
Mahesh Bhattarai raised concerns over the stalled construction of the Malunga section of the Shaligram Corridor. He requested timely budget allocation to complete this pride project of the province.
Bindu Paudel highlighted the misuse of offerings collected from renowned temples and monasteries in the province and urged the government to regulate and monitor such funds.
Sita Kumari Sundas expressed concern over the presence of pesticides in the food and vegetables consumed by the province’s residents.
She noted that although pesticide testing labs were set up in Malunga and Aanbukhaireni, they remain non-operational. She called for the provision of staff and equipment to make these centers functional.
Lastly, lawmaker Nirmala Thapa pointed out that Gandaki Province ranks high in gender inequality. She demanded a gender-sensitive budget that could help improve the Human Development Index (HDI) of the province.
The session underscored the assembly members’ growing focus on inclusive policies and equitable development as Gandaki prepares its upcoming fiscal plans.
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