‘Formulation of law in priority for implementing federalism’

By Phadindra Adhikari,Kaski, Apr. 9: Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, said that the present government has given special attention to development and prosperity while implementing federalism. 

Speaking at a programme organised by Press Chautari, Kaski, on Monday, he said that the necessary laws will be prioritised and enacted in three stages. “We have to draft around 182 laws,” he added.

“Among them, we need to enact 61 laws immediately. We have prepared to draft 49 laws as second priority and 19 laws as part of the third phase,” said Minister Giri.

Highlighting the challenges in implementing federalism due to the absence of necessary laws, he stressed the urgency of drafting these laws. He also said that to end the misconception among the general public necessary laws should be enacted immediately.

 “Some laws will also be enacted during the budget session,” he added.

Minister Giri said that the responsibility for lawmaking does not solely rest in the parliamentarians. He clarified that suggestions from the general public and stakeholders will also be considered. 

“It is not just the 275 parliamentarians who are qualified, all citizens should provide input. We will establish a digital platform to incorporate citizens' suggestions into the lawmaking process,” he emphasised.

Stating that the current government was formed in a complicated situation, he promised to overcome the huge challenges ahead and show the common people that their future lies in this country.

He said that despite the government being formed at a time when the country's economy is faltering, development and construction efforts are sluggish, and there are concerns regarding good governance, they will overcome these challenges and meet the people's expectations.

Highlighting that the Nepali Congress is calling for a parliamentary inquiry and threatening to obstruct the House's operation, he expressed his view that government agencies should conduct investigations to prosecute those responsible for misconduct within the cooperatives.

“The parliamentary investigation committee should not only focus on inspecting the cooperatives the investigation should also extend to other state bodies,” he said. “If weaknesses are found in the investigation conducted by the government bodies, we should be ready to form similar committees ourselves,” said Minister Giri. 

“If there is interference from the government, a judicial, high-level commission should also be formed.” Measures need to be taken to ensure that depositors receive back their funds, he added.