Winter session of Parliament prorogued

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 15: The current session of the House of Representatives has been prorogued from Sunday. The winter session of the Parliament started on Monday, February 5 and lasted until Sunday, April 14. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' actively engaged with parliamentary members during this session, participating in a direct question-and-answer programme on February 18 and March 19. A total of 26 members posed questions to the Prime Minister, reflecting the robust dialogue within the chamber.

The House of Representatives (HoR) gave its official approval to the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), signifying Nepal's commitment to regional collaboration. Discussions surrounding the "Agreement on establishing the International Solar Alliance" were also made.

Key legislative accomplishments include the approval of the 'Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2023' and extending legitimacy the Commission for Investigation, Truth and Reconciliation of Disappeared Persons Act, 2014.

On March 13, Prime Minister Dahal's proposal to seek a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives, as per Article 100, Clause 2 of the Constitution of Nepal, garnered majority support, demonstrating political stability in the government.

In the realm of fiscal policy, discussions on nine tax proposals and the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2024/25 were deliberated extensively.

In this legislative session, the House of Representatives received five government bills for consideration. Among these, the 'Construction Materials (Management and Regulation) Bill, 2023' is currently under committee review. General discussions on the 'Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023' have concluded. Additionally, the 'Political Parties (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023' and the 'Banking and Financial Institutions (First Amendment) Bill, 2023' have been formally presented in the Assembly. Meanwhile, the 'Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility (First Amendment) Bill, 2023' is currently in the registration phase.

During this session, the National Assembly accepted and passed an amendment to the "Bill to amend laws related to prevention of money laundering and promotion of business environment”, originating in the Assembly. Furthermore, the House of Representatives received three government bills and one non-government bill from the National Assembly. Among these, discussions on the 'E-Commerce Bill, 2023' have concluded, while the others are already presented. 

Additionally, out of eight bills received by the National Assembly in prior sessions, the Assembly passed the 'Monitoring and Evaluation Bill, 2076' and 'Food Hygiene and Quality Bill, 2077.' The remaining six bills are under committee review, resulting in the passage of three bills this session.

During this session, the House of Representatives received the 'Annual Report of the Women and Social Affairs Committee, 2023,' authored by the Women and Social Affairs Committee.

Throughout the session, members of the Assembly actively voiced concerns over various issues affecting their constituencies, prompting responses from government officials, including Prime Minister Dahal and other ministers.

As the session draws to a close, the achievements and discussions reflect the House of Representatives' commitment to democratic governance and legislative excellence.