KATHMANDU: Amid growing criticism over the government’s recent ordinance, Law Minister Sobita Gautam has issued a clarification, saying the move was intended to accelerate governance and not to serve any ulterior interests.
In a video message posted on social media on Sunday morning, she said the ordinance was introduced to enable faster work and more effective resolution of public issues.
“This ordinance was not brought to fulfill any ulterior motive. It was brought to do good work, to work quickly, and to resolve people’s issues more effectively,” she said.
Gautam argued that even under a fast-track parliamentary process, it can take at least three to four months to pass a law, necessitating the use of an ordinance in urgent situations.
She also said the current ordinance should not be compared with those issued in the past, claiming the context is different.
“In the past, there have been instances where ordinances were misused for vested interests and were withdrawn without being tabled in Parliament, which is why there is distrust and criticism. But the context this time is very different. This government aims to work at a faster pace,” she said.
According to her, the ordinance was needed in situations where legal gaps or ambiguities were hindering decision-making and implementation. She added that the Constitution empowers the government to issue ordinances under Article 114 when necessary.
Gautam further informed that all ordinances issued by the President on government recommendation will be presented in Parliament for discussion and approval.
“There may be matters that could be addressed through the normal legislative process. Even if treated on a fast track, it can still take three to four months. Therefore, the government has recommended ordinances to ensure swift and effective action, and all of them will be tabled in Parliament,” she said.
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