Agriculture warrants proper attention: Lawmaker Prem Suwal

By Kalika Khadka, Kathmandu, Feb 27: Leader of Nepal Workers and Peasant Party (NWPP), Prem Suwal, asserts that the country's economy will not thrive as long as agriculture is ignored. 

Suwal, who was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from constituency no 1 of Bhaktapur district, expressed worry over sheer indifference to the issues raised at parliament for farmers and agriculture development.

"Agriculture must be prosperous. Why didn't the Finance Minister speak about the priority of agriculture while planning the next budget? Although agriculture is a pillar of the economy, it is ignored," he said, warning of the declining strength of the country if it continued.

Suwal feels the national economy is dwindling in a multi-party system and republic. Once agriculture is given proper attention, it will help prevent an exodus of youths.  "State has not paid heed to job creation, and upliftment of industrialists. It is a mute spectator to youth exodus. There is no noticeable plan to address youths' despair," he showed concern. 

He argued that he was raising people's agenda in the parliament. "My voters are happy to see my active presence in the parliament. I voice their concerns and the country's problems," Suwal shared.

Suwal, who has active participation in HoR meetings and the parliamentary committees, reminds fellow HoR members to speak for citizens' rights. He demands clear responses from the concerned ministers when HoR members inquire about health, education, employment and development works.

However, he finds unaccountability of government agencies, for they are not addressing well the issues the lawmakers put forth in the parliament and committee meetings.      

According to him, parliamentary practice is weak in Nepal. "Parliament is not running as per parliamentary system, but it witnesses a mere confrontation between the ruling and the opposition," he observed.

The NWPP lawmaker wonders why the political parties differ in economic policy and issues of foreign affairs.  NWPP does not hanker after power but works for people and the country. "We are vibrant opposition. We constantly make aware the ruling parties," he reminded, adding, "Democracy is not keeping tiger and goat in the same place. If they are kept in the same enclosure, tiger preys on the goat." (RSS)