KATHMANDU: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has directed the government to clarify its position on the proposed construction of a national-level trauma centre in Dhalkebar, Madhesh Province.
The directive came during Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives after lawmakers raised concerns over the government’s commitment to the project.
At the beginning of the meeting, opposition lawmakers stood from their seats, prompting the Speaker to allow Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr. Chandra Mohan Yadav to address the House.
Yadav said Dhalkebar, located at the centre of one of Madhesh Province’s most densely populated areas and along a major highway, is an appropriate location for a national trauma centre. He accused the government of backing away from plans introduced by previous administrations.
He said the government should not alter the earlier decision to establish the facility and vowed to remain standing in silence until the government provided a response.
As opposition lawmakers continued raising issues of national importance from their seats, ruling party lawmakers objected, citing parliamentary procedures.
Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party also objected, arguing that issues should be raised at the appropriate time during House proceedings rather than immediately after the session begins.
RSP lawmaker Manish Khanal urged the Speaker to end the practice of allowing repeated protests at the start of parliamentary meetings.
After Yadav continued standing without speaking, Speaker Aryal asked him to return to his seat to maintain parliamentary decorum. When Yadav remained standing, the Speaker again allowed him to speak.
Yadav reiterated his demand that the government clearly state whether it intends to proceed with the construction of the proposed national-level trauma centre in Dhalkebar.
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