MPs discuss budget, raise voices about issues of public concern

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 12: During Tuesday's House of Representatives meeting, MPs voiced their perspectives on the budget allocated for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, emphasising the government's attention and action. 

These ranged from immediate concerns such as the rescue of mules trapped due to a bridge collapse over the Karnali River to long-term challenges like climate change affecting the Tarai region.

The government has earmarked Rs. 2.36 billion for education, Rs. 57.29 billion for agriculture, and Rs. 8.10 billion for labour for the upcoming fiscal year.

MPs underscored the impact of recent natural disasters, like the storm in Madhes Province, and urged for prompt relief efforts. Additionally, they raised alarms over the escalating drinking water problem in Tarai-Madhes and the urgent need for infrastructure development, like road construction in Nuwakot and irrigation arrangements in Madhes Province.

Specific concerns were voiced regarding mental health, agriculture, and public services. MP Bindhwasini Kansakar highlighted the necessity of mental health services, advocating for a dedicated hotline. Meanwhile, MP Bina Devi highlighted the agricultural plight in Madhes due to inadequate rainfall, stressing the need for irrigation solutions.

Addressing infrastructure shortcomings, MP Pushpa Bahadur Shah called for the swift restoration of the collapsed bridge over the Karnali River to minimize disruptions to daily life. Similarly, MP Purna Bahadur Ghartimagar criticised the negligence in road construction, citing the dilapidated conditions in Baglung.

MPs also voiced grievances over governance issues, including bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of accountability. They demanded improved services and swift action to address grievances, like the tragic incident involving an electric wire in Dang, stressing the importance of safety measures and compensations.

In the ongoing budget discussions, MPs expressed dissatisfaction over the allocation for crucial sectors like education, agriculture, and labour. They criticized the inadequacy of funds to uplift the poor and marginalized, emphasising the need for a more robust budgetary framework to address Nepal's socio-economic challenges effectively.

Amidst these debates, concerns were raised regarding the politicisation of education, with MPs cautioning against targeting teachers based on political affiliations. Former Minister Devendra Paudel urged Education Minister Sumana Shrestha to prioritise teachers’ capacity building and institutional improvements over political considerations, advocating for a holistic approach to educational reform.