Lawmakers urge govt to address artificial market shortages

KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives (HoR) on Tuesday urged the government to take immediate steps to address artificial shortages and price increases in the market.

Speaking during the HoR meeting, lawmakers also drew the government’s attention to the need to reconstruct infrastructure damaged by monsoon-related disasters and relocate vulnerable settlements to safer areas.

They called for improved access to roads, electricity, communication, healthcare, education and drinking water in rural areas.

Lawmakers also stressed the need to strengthen the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and address issues related to local infrastructure and public services in Dadeldhura, Lalitpur, Sarlahi, Kailali and Kanchanpur.

They urged the government to step up market monitoring and intervention to control artificial shortages and price gouging.

Similarly, lawmakers called for the revival of the Biratnagar Jute Mill, protection of the Bal Bahubhashiya School in Tarahara, and measures to prevent the unchecked commercialization of agricultural land.

Some lawmakers demanded that the government brief Parliament on Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, including his address and the outcomes of his visit. Others said the Prime Minister’s address had contributed positively to Nepal’s international image and diplomatic engagement.