KATHMANDU: Parliamentarians have strongly criticized the government’s proposal to grant lifelong service benefits to former dignitaries, calling it an unjustified burden on the state’s resources while highlighting the country’s ongoing economic struggles.
During the parliamentary meeting held on Sunday, lawmakers raised their objections vocally.
They criticized the proposal to increase benefits for former dignitaries, arguing that it adds unnecessary burden to the state, and called for the government to reconsider its decision.
Speaking in the meeting, Unified Socialist lawmaker Prakash Jwala said that the arbitrary facilities granted to former dignitaries should be stopped.
He proposed that even the facilities of current lawmakers be reduced, adding that the benefits for sitting dignitaries should also be scaled back.
During the zero hour of the House of Representatives, Jwala accused the current government of failing to fulfill its duties.
He pointed out that the government had neglected its responsibilities toward the people, specifically noting that those affected by the earthquake, as well as flood and landslide victims, had yet to receive relief.
He also raised concerns about widespread corruption and the country’s deteriorating economic situation.
Similarly, Nepali Congress leader and House of Representatives member Ram Krishna Yadav argued that providing lifelong benefits to former dignitaries was not in the country’s best interest.
Addressing the meeting, he highlighted the country’s weak economic state, ongoing corruption, and the loss of lives due to lack of access to healthcare.
“The country is currently facing a fragile economy. Amid criticism that development and public services have been ineffective, it has emerged that the government is preparing a law to provide lifelong benefits to former dignitaries,” he said.
“The draft law under consideration proposes lifetime allowances, housing allowances, vehicle provisions, secretariat staff, and assistants for former presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, speakers, national assembly chairmen, and former council of ministers.”
Maoist Center MP Devendra Poudel also objected to the government’s draft law, which would grant lifelong benefits to former dignitaries.
He stated that the government’s decision to provide such privileges to former dignitaries, while neglecting its responsibility to control inflation and provide relief to the poor, was inappropriate.
Independent parliamentarian Dr. Amaresh Singh also opposed it. He accused former dignitaries of looting and being involved in scandals while in office.
He argued that it was unacceptable for individuals to continue receiving benefits when the people continue to suffer under mounting debt even after they leave office.
“There are issues of privileges for former dignitaries who looted the country while in power and were involved in major scandals, from the Ncell scandal to the wide-body scandals,” he said.
“Is it acceptable for them to rob the people both while in office and even after retiring? This should be stopped.”
Comment