KATHMANDU: Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, has directed party lawmakers to focus on governance reform, service delivery, and organizational strengthening, while defending the government’s recent ordinance move.
Speaking at an informal meeting of the party’s parliamentary group on Wednesday, Lamichhane outlined key policy priorities ranging from improving governance practices to addressing public grievances and institutional coordination.
He stressed the need for regular interaction between ministers and lawmakers, stating that coordination at the ministerial level would be institutionalized. “With a change in government, the culture of governance and public service must also change,” he said.
Lamichhane cautioned lawmakers against misuse of power, remarking that the party is meant for servants and facilitators, not those seeking to become masters. He also said efforts are underway to make the ‘Hello Sarkar’ system more effective, including mechanisms to track the status of public complaints.
Highlighting the primary role of lawmakers, he said their main responsibility is lawmaking, while urging them to maintain coordination across all levels without attempting to act beyond their mandate.
He also called for initiatives to curb discrimination and incidents linked to inter-caste marriages, while warning lawmakers to maintain decorum at sensitive sites.
On economic concerns, Lamichhane said the government is aware of the impact of conflicts in the Gulf region on market prices and is working toward solutions.
Addressing organizational matters, he urged party leaders and cadres at all levels to actively engage in strengthening the party structure.
On the issue of squatters, Lamichhane clarified that the government is relocating people from high-risk areas to safer locations in a humane manner. He asserted that no citizen would be rendered homeless and that the state would ensure food, shelter, clothing, and employment opportunities. He also announced plans to form a special commission to address long-term settlement issues for those living near flood-prone and hazardous zones.
Defending the ordinance brought by the government, Lamichhane argued that such measures are necessary to correct past political interference and flawed appointments. “This step is not targeted at anyone but is a legal process aimed at reform,” he said.
He noted that vacancies in constitutional bodies have hindered decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for proactive steps to meet public expectations.
Lamichhane also informed that regular discussions within the parliamentary party would continue, and lawmakers could submit written suggestions if they face challenges in fulfilling their duties.
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