Ministers respond to MPs' queries in National Assembly

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 5: In Thursday’s session of the National Assembly, ministers addressed questions posed by lawmakers, covering a range of issues crucial to governance and public welfare. The interactive session provided an opportunity for legislators to seek clarifications and updates from government officials on matters impacting the nation’s policies and administration. The discussions underscored the assembly’s role in oversight and accountability, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes across various ministerial portfolios.

Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, announced during the session that significant advancements were planned for the country’s communication infrastructure starting from the next fiscal year. 

Responding to queries from MPs during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, Minister Sharma revealed that the National News agency (RSS) would transition to round-the-clock service. 

Furthermore, Minister Sharma highlighted the government’s commitment to improving mobile and internet services, currently facilitated by two mobile providers and 115 internet service operators. Collaborations with Radio Nepal and telecom companies have commenced to disseminate disaster preparedness information via SMS, aiming to notify media and internet service providers promptly.

In terms of governance and revenue, Minister Sharma emphasised successful efforts to enforce payment compliance among internet service providers, contributing to significant revenue mobilisation. The government’s strategic vision positions information technology (IT) as a cornerstone for national development, targeting an IT-focused decade ahead with initiatives like the National Cyber Security Bill and AI integration policies, Sharma noted.

Urban Development Minister Dhan Bahadur Budha highlighted the necessity of allocating budget based on geographical challenges. He stressed prioritising remote areas. Minister Budha defended the allocation of 1.83 per cent of the Urban Development Ministry’s budget to Dolpa, citing its unique needs and geographical constraints despite its tourist appeal.

Youth and Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha announced an allocation of Rs. 43.4 million for international sports preparations, including Paris Olympics, Mission-2026, and the 6th Asian Indo Martial Art-2024. Speaking at the National Assembly, he detailed Rs. 43.4 million for national-level training of over 200 athletes across 10 sports, Rs. 2.9 million for international competitions, and Rs. 1.1 million for traditional sports development.

Health and Population Minister Pradeep Yadav outlined plans to make basic health services free and enhance specialist care through insurance during discussions on the Appropriation Bill in the National Assembly. Emphasising the budget’s focus on universal health coverage and mortality reduction, Minister Yadav highlighted challenges such as infrastructure development, manpower management, and equitable resource distribution. He stressed the need for legislative and executive support to achieve sustainable health goals, including reducing personal healthcare costs through effective implementation of free basic services and comprehensive health insurance. Minister Yadav also spoke about efforts in hospital construction, manpower deployment, and reforms to enhance government health services nationwide.

Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang addressed questions relating to reforms at Nepal Airlines Corporation (Nepal Airlines) during discussions on the Appropriation Bill 2024 in the National Assembly. Minister Tamang emphasised the ministry’s commitment to implementing recommendations from a committee tasked with enhancing the corporation’s operations. He underscored the budget’s alignment with regional needs and cultural preservation efforts, including policies safeguarding Sanskrit language and cultural heritage sites like Lumbini and Pashupatinath. Minister Tamang also highlighted initiatives to promote tourism, including targeted campaigns in India and China, and efforts to include Tilaurakot in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. He affirmed plans for the effective management and development of Gautam Buddha International Airport and advancements in mountain climbing regulations and air policy revisions.

Forest and Environment Minister Nawal Kishore Shah Sudi highlighted Nepal’s commitment to accessing international climate finance to combat climate change, particularly in mountainous regions. Addressing the National Assembly, he underscored the government’s role in enhancing climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Minister Sudi highlighted initiatives such as green taxes on petroleum and coal imports starting next fiscal year and recent amendments to forestry regulations aimed at boosting local firewood production. He outlined plans for community-based forest management, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, and air pollution control measures. Minister Sudi stressed the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the Chure region and enhance environmental investments beyond government resources.

Members of the National Assembly urged the government to promptly provide relief to flood victims during today’s session. They emphasised on the state’s responsibility to aid those affected by natural disasters like floods and landslides. The discussion also highlighted concerns over delayed earthquake relief in Jarjarkot and the need for proactive flood preparedness.