Cooperatives probe panel’s term extended by 15 days

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Sept. 4: The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, extended the deadline for the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee investigating the misappropriation of cooperative savings by 15 days. The extension was unanimously approved in the session, following a proposal by the committee chairman, Surya Bahadur Thapa.

The Parliamentary Inquiry Committee was established on May 28 and initially given a three-month timeframe, set to expire on September 7. During the committee's first meeting, members began their examination of allegations regarding the misuse of funds within cooperative societies. However, as the deadline approached, Thapa indicated that additional time was necessary to thoroughly verify and analyse the information gathered to protect the interests of cooperative savers. The extension will provide the committee with the opportunity to complete its investigation and ensure comprehensive scrutiny.

Thapa explained that despite working diligently around the clock, including evenings and weekends, the committee faced substantial tasks that could not be completed within the original timeframe. Speaker Devraj Ghimire confirmed that the extension was granted with full support from the House members.

During the session, lawmakers addressed several other pressing issues including statements made by government officials and their implications.

Nepali Congress MP Ramhari Khatiwada demanded a formal response to controversial remarks made by Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung. Gurung's recent comment that the IGP of Nepal Police’s ‘tongue should be taken out’ sparked criticism. Khatiwada and others have called for a parliamentary explanation, highlighting the need for restraint and accountability in official statements.

Further disagreement emerged with remarks from Gandaki Province MP Rajiv Gurung (Deepak Manange), who controversially claimed that ministerial posts are for sale. This statement followed a cabinet reshuffle where he was reassigned from the Physical Ministry to the Forest Ministry. Khatiwada and other MPs have demanded clarification from the government on this issue.

House discussed the flaws in the MBBS entrance examination conducted by the Medical Education Commission. MPs expressed outrage over what they described as a "monstrous error" in the examination process. Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Roshan Karki and other parliamentarians disapproved the commission for failing to address the issues adequately and called for stringent legal action against those responsible. They also urged improvements in the examination system to prevent future occurrences and to ensure transparency.

Opposition MPs, including Devendra Paudel of the CPN (Maoist Centre), criticised the commission's handling of examination results, demanding a merit-based publication of results. Former education minister and MP Sumana Shrestha also raised concerns about the examination's technical errors and the need for systemic reforms.

Additionally, there were calls for better governance and economic management. Nepali Congress MP Dr. Chandrakant Bhandari highlighted the need for adherence to economic principles in development work and disapproved of the government for its perceived lack of progress. CPN (UML) MP Ishwar Bahadur Rijal and other MPs underscored the importance of focusing on people-centric policies and resolving national issues.

Similarly, in Tuesday’s National Assembly session, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi provided an update on ongoing programmes aimed at combating gender violence, enhancing social welfare, and protecting senior citizens. Minister Sudi highlighted the government's commitment to addressing domestic violence, particularly among women working abroad, and announced progress in building shelters for victims. The construction has advanced in Madhes Province, with upcoming bidding in Bagmati Province. Sudi also confirmed that legal action is being pursued in the Chhaupadi case in Achham.

Assembly member Sumitra BC raised urgent concerns about landslides on the Karnali Highway, which have disrupted traffic and affected local communities.  BC called for immediate government intervention to address the infrastructure issues and control flood damage caused by road construction equipment. He described the highway as a “death highway” and urged action to prevent further disasters.

Lawmaker Suresha Magar highlighted the need to strengthen inclusive proportional representation, despite ongoing constitutional amendments. 

Anand Prasad Dhungana praised the role of peaceful struggles in political changes and stressed the importance of collaboration for political stability. Meanwhile, lawmakers Savitri Malla and Bamdev Gautam both disapproved of the government's response to road improvement issues, with Gautam suggesting the establishment of highway police to reduce accidents.

Members also voiced concerns about irregularities in the Medical Education Commission’s exam results. Lawmakers Krishna Prasad Paudel and Gomadevi Timilsina demanded an investigation into the discrepancies, questioning the credibility of the results. Urmila Aryal called for immediate action regarding recent controversial statements by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

Assembly Member Narayan Dutt Mishra highlighted the plight of Nepali citizens stranded abroad, and Madan Kumari Shah Garima urged protection for Nepali workers in Russia who face illegal recruitment and casualties. 

Yuvraj Sharma stressed the need for better police adjustments to support the federal system.