Preparation Underway to Commence Parliamentary Business
Last Friday, all thematic committees under the Federal Parliament were fully constituted, with chairpersons elected and sworn in. The parliamentary thematic committees are preparing to hold meetings after the 15th of Baisakh, with discussions ongoing to set the agendas for these sessions. The government plans to pass 40 to 45 bills during the upcoming session, and various ministries are actively engaged in bill drafting.
On 6 Baisakh in Kathmandu, all thematic committees under the Federal Parliament were completed last Friday. Chairpersons were elected and took their oath on the same day. With full committees in place, preparations are underway to convene meetings. Ahead of sessions, chairpersons have been holding discussions with parliamentary secretariat staff to review potential topics.
Review Banskota, Chairperson of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, stated, “Business will also be determined for the meetings. Discussions are ongoing on the issues that may arise. Procedural rules will also be formulated during the meetings.” The House of Representatives formed thematic committees on 27 Chaitra, and the election of committee chairpersons as designated by the Speaker has been completed. However, meetings have not yet started.
Ashokkumar Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee, said, “Meetings will begin only after Baisakh 15. Operational matters need to be sorted out, and MPs are currently on district tours.” The government is preparing to summon the federal parliament for its next session in the third week of Baisakh, and discussions about committee meetings are ongoing. As the House of Representatives session approaches, MPs will remain in Kathmandu, making it necessary to ensure quorums for committee meetings, which has been a challenge so far.
Ashish Gajurel, Chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee, mentioned that discussions are underway with a focus on regional issues. He said, “We will start with topics related to national pride projects, identifying the status and problems of various projects to prepare proposals for resolution. Discussions are ongoing regarding forming subcommittees. National pride projects must be completed swiftly.” The Infrastructure Committee is prioritizing national pride projects while preparing other issues and agendas. Processes are progressing, including for costly materials such as diesel, aggregate, and construction supplies. Chairperson Gajurel informed that efforts are underway to identify problems from the private sector and government alike. He added, “There are issues related to scarcity of river-sourced materials, increased prices of rods and cement, labor shortages, and procedural ambiguities. There are challenges in contract procedures. We will finalize the agenda through consultations with the ministries.”
According to parliamentary secretariat officials, the government must provide the parliament with the upcoming schedule. After the government presents bills, parliamentary committees will undertake work accordingly. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs is preparing to pass 40 to 45 bills in the forthcoming session. Various ministries are actively identifying topics and drafting bills.
The Prime Minister’s Office and the Council of Ministers are preparing amendments to the Public Procurement Bill. The Ministry of Finance is working on the Nepal Rastra Bank Bill and the Employees Provident Fund Bill. The Ministry of Industry is preparing the Company Bill, while the Ministry of Energy is drafting bills related to water resources, renewable energy, electricity, and irrigation development management. The Ministry of Home Affairs is advancing bills concerning the Nepal Police, Armed Police, immigration, and intelligence.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs is working on the Federal Civil Service Bill and the Local Government Operation Bill. The Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens is pushing forward the Human Trafficking Control Bill and is gathering feedback and suggestions. The Ministry of Tourism is preparing bills related to the Civil Aviation Authority and the Nepal Airlines Authority. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is drafting the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Bill. The Ministry of Defence is implementing bills related to the National Service Corps and university regulations. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure is working on the Road Safety and Public Transport Bill. The Ministry of Communications is advancing bills on cyber security and communications. The Ministry of Health and Population is working on the Ram Raja Prasad Singh Health Science Institute Bill. The Ministry of Agriculture is drafting bills on animal health, slaughterhouses, and meat.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs is progressing bills regarding marital rape, serious sexual violence, and post-rape homicide.