KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the National Assembly (NA) on Sunday drew the government’s attention to a range of pressing issues, from the ongoing drought in the Tarai to the plight of Nepali migrant workers abroad and unresolved infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, lawmaker Sabitri Malla urged the government to take immediate relief measures for drought-stricken farmers in eight districts of the Tarai, noting that even in the monsoon season, water sources have dried up.
“Merely declaring districts as drought-affected is not enough,” she said, calling for urgent and tangible interventions.
Ghanshyam Rokaya called on all ministers to disclose their property details, while Krishna Bahadur Rokaya demanded the resumption of flights from Chaujahari Airport in Rukum Paschim, which has remained closed for the past six years.
Padam Bahadur Pariyar raised concern over the case of Sangita Thapa, a Nepali migrant worker in Kuwait reportedly suffering mental and physical abuse at the hands of her employer. He urged the government to take swift action for her rescue and repatriation.
Rukmini Koirala highlighted the issue of land encroachment along the Koshi embankment and bridge, stating that about 35,000 bighas of land were seized during construction and that the Indian side has yet to fulfill its promise to compensate the affected Nepali citizens.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Shree Krishna Adhikari called for a thorough investigation into the government’s decision to remove the ‘cooling-off period’ provision from the Civil Service Bill, a move he claimed was sudden and controversial.
In legislative proceedings, the National Assembly unanimously approved a proposal to send the Tourism Bill, 2081 to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion. The proposal was tabled by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey.
NA Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal also informed the Assembly about a letter from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers regarding the division of ministerial portfolios.
The next meeting of the National Assembly is scheduled for July 30.
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