Lumbini Province Passes Critical Pesticide Management Bill

The Lumbini Provincial Assembly has unanimously passed the Life-Threatening Pesticide Management and Regulation Bill. Members of the Provincial Assembly criticized the federal government for failing to show commitment to the people and highlighted the impact of rising inflation on daily life. Extensive discussions were also held on the growing challenges to adolescent girls’ safety following the drafting of a bill to ensure Dalit rights. On April 22, in Butwal, the Lumbini Provincial Assembly unanimously passed the Life-Threatening Pesticide Management and Regulation Bill, including its report. This was done during the 15th meeting of the seventh session of the Provincial Assembly. Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperative Minister Dinesh Panthi tabled the proposal to discuss and pass the bill. Assembly Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar presented the proposal for a decision and announced its unanimous approval.

During the meeting, Ministers Dinesh Panthi and Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Dhanendra Karki responded to questions raised in the assembly. Dil Kumari Budha, Chairperson of the Provincial Affairs and Law Committee, presented a report on the bill aimed at amending the District Assembly and District Coordination Committee Operation Act, 2075 (2018). Similarly, Maya Pun, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, submitted the committee’s annual report. Provincial Assembly member Bhoj Prasad Shrestha accused the federal government of neglecting the public despite inflation, stating it has forgotten its commitment to the people.

Assembly member Yam Bahadur Sarki emphasized that after long efforts, a bill to guarantee the rights of the Dalit community has been prepared, calling it a historic achievement. Assembly member Sushila Badi stressed that the government needs to play an increased role to ensure effective implementation after the bill’s certification. Assembly member Khadga Basnet urged the government to prioritize the education sector. Assembly member Durgaprasad Chaudhary highlighted problems in budgeting and implementation. Assembly member Arjun Kumar KC criticized the federal government’s policy of tightened revenue collection in border areas as unscientific. Assembly member Mina Kumari Shrestha demanded an immediate rollback of fuel price increases, citing their impact across all sectors. Assembly member Yamuna Roka Tamang stated that federal government’s shortsighted policies have adversely affected daily life, increasing difficulties in cooking, farming, and general livelihoods. Assembly member Jamuna Dhakal voiced concerns about the escalating challenges to adolescent girls’ safety, demanding state guarantees of their protection and questioning when justice will be served for daughters. The 16th meeting of the seventh session of the Provincial Assembly is scheduled for April 23 at 11:30 a.m.