Need to make Parliament more people-oriented: NA Chair Dahal

KATHMANDU: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Narayan Prasad Dahal has emphasized the need to make parliament more effective, accountable, transparent, and people-oriented.

Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Parliament Day 2082, Speaker Dahal stated, “Our common objective should be to make parliament more effective, accountable, transparent, and centered around the needs of the people. To achieve this, we must enhance the capacity of parliamentarians, utilize modern technology in parliamentary procedures, promote thematic research, strengthen public engagement, and improve parliamentary oversight of the executive.”

Underscoring the importance of Parliament Day, he said the legislature must serve the interests of the nation and society more effectively. “We must focus on how to establish parliament as a platform where the voices of the people are genuinely heard,” he added.

Speaker Dahal expressed hope that Parliament Day would serve as a source of inspiration to make parliament a true forum for representing the people’s voice and for enacting laws that contribute to building a prosperous Nepal—free from the influence of political power struggles.

In his message, he extended heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and progress to all Nepali citizens. He also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the people’s movements, wars, and struggles for democracy, and expressed deep respect for those who were injured, went missing, or became disabled during these efforts.

He further acknowledged the valuable contributions of civil society, political figures, and ordinary citizens in the fight for democratic rights.

Parliament Day is observed annually on Asar 16 to commemorate the first meeting of Nepal’s elected parliament in 2016 BS.

Speaker Dahal remarked that this historic day marks the beginning of parliamentary democracy in Nepal and should inspire elected representatives, political parties, civil society, and the media to uphold parliamentary supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic values with greater honesty and commitment.

In his message, he stated, “Parliament is the highest institution representing the people. It reflects the diversity of views, ideologies, and political parties. It is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, overseeing government activities, and ensuring the legal rights of ordinary citizens.”