Shahi calls for electoral reforms, intervention in education system

By Narayan Neupane, Kathmandu, Oct 22: Nepali Congress lawmaker Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri represents Mugu 1 in the House of Representatives (HoR).

He believes that lawmakers bear the responsibility of voicing the concerns of people from respective constituents in parliament.     

The 53-year-old legislator acknowledged that he is still learning about legislative duties, as this is his first experience in the federal parliament. In view of Shahi, the primary responsibility of lawmakers is to contribute to legislative affairs, but again he says that they cannot overlook the development and other needs of the people. He stated, "People, especially those from Mugu, are in urgent need of development."     

"The people in the district urgently require compensation for natural disasters and fire, rehabilitation, health, education, drinking water, road infrastructure, and irrigation facilities," he said, adding that he prioritizes public concerns based on their needs and strives to draw the government's attention to these issues through parliamentary proceedings.     

Shahi, who began his political career through the Nepal Student Union in 2043 BS, has served twice as the NC district president for Mugu. He also has five years of teaching experience. He acknowledged that people's representatives have sometimes failed to meet public aspirations due to their unnecessarily engagements in issues unrelated to their primary legislative duties.     

But lawmakers are often compelled to assist people with even minor development projects and healthcare access as the federal governance system is yet to be implemented in a true sense, according to the lawmaker.     

Shahi said lawmakers are aware of their legislative roles and responsibilities but also they believe that facilitating citizens in addressing their development needs is part of their responsibilities. According to Shahi, the existing electoral system is costly and requires significant reforms.     

He assessed that citizens have yet to experience good governance and are frustrated by the prevalence of corruption. He is also worried to see youths leaving home for abroad in pursuit of jobs, study and career opportunities. He believed that youths would be discouraged from going abroad if adequate job opportunities could be ensured within the country.     

According to him, the cost of education not only in medicine and engineering education but also all streams is becoming prohibitive for the citizens, especially disadvantaged communities, and requires prompt interventions.(RSS)