Opposition Amendments Rejected, Government’s Policy and Program Approved

April 14, Kathmandu – The National Assembly, where the National Independent Party lacks representation, has passed the government’s annual policy and program. Members of Parliament from the Congress, UML, and NCP had proposed individual and joint amendments to the government’s policy and program. Although some amendments were withdrawn by MPs, the majority were rejected, and the government’s policy and program was passed by a majority vote.

On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle responded, leading the National Assembly to approve the policy and program. Of the opposition parties, only the UML did not participate in the voting process. Other parties cooperated to pass the policy and program.

National Assembly members had submitted personal amendment proposals, but none were approved. Despite the ruling National Independent Party’s absence, other parties extended support to the government.

President Ramchandra Paudel had presented the policy and program at the joint session of the Federal Parliament three days earlier. In the National Assembly’s Thursday meeting, Finance Minister Wagle urged members not to doubt the government’s full commitment to the federal democratic republican system.

The Finance Minister requested that everyone refrain from doubting the government’s progress. He also expressed the government’s commitment to accept all parliamentary suggestions and incorporate them into the upcoming budget.

He stated, “The government has accepted all suggestions. All written and oral opinions are shared ownership. The feedback received will be included in the forthcoming budget. The presented policy and program will prioritize budget policies and principles. We are not just changing the wheel but moving forward on the path of progress.”

Minister Wagle mentioned that good governance was a key issue raised during the election campaign, which received popular support accordingly. He also addressed questions raised by MPs regarding the dissolution of the trade union department.

He said, “We are fully committed to the federal democratic system. We have advanced governance issues. Party-affiliated organizations within government services have been dissolved. This was already mentioned in our commitment letter. However, this does not mean the entire trade union movement has been abolished, only the party-affiliated organizations have been dismantled.”

Finance Minister Wagle recalled former leaders Girija Prasad Koirala and Manmohan Adhikari acknowledging that the trade union movement emerged historically from struggles. He added, “We respect the overall value of the trade union. This matter is currently under judicial consideration, and we are a party that believes in social liberal democracy.”

After the policy and program was tabled for decision, the UML announced it would not participate in the voting process.