NA meeting: Appropriation Bill discussed

Kathmandu, June 1: The National Assembly today commenced the deliberation on the Appropriation Bill- 2082 BS.     

The budget allocations to the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President and the National Planning Commission were discussed in the meeting.     

Bhagawati Neupane underscored the need for a policy departure for the improvement of budget system. "The selection of projects on the basis of needs and relevancy and allocation of sufficient budget with an effective implementation will contribute to achieving proportionate development," he argued.     

 Radheshyam Paswan demanded the appropriation of budget on the basis of sources' management and needs.     

As per the agenda for the session today, the discussions will also be held on budget allocations to various ministries: Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ministry of Home and Ministry of Defence.     

Meantime, airing their voices during the zero hour of the session, the lawmakers drew the government's attention to the urgency of being fully prepared to deal with potential incidents of natural disasters during this monsoon.     

They also urged the government to ensure sufficient supplies of chemical fertilizer for farmers.     

Uday Bahadur Bohora said farmers demand around 1.3 million metric tons of fertilizer, while the supply is just around 0.4 million metric tons.     

Nara Bahadur Bista said continuous rains have adversely affected farmers in the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces.     

Narayan Datta Mishra said Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis and Godavari Municipality have been significantly affected by excessive rains, adding that the lack of a systematic sewage system has made the situation worse. He also sought an investigation into the alleged removal of the 'cooling-off' provision from the Civil Service Bill in an unauthorized manner.     

Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) demanded the prompt restoration of the Karnali Bridge along the Postal Highway in Bardiya.     

Mohammed Khalid called for the government's efforts to promote paddy plantation in Madhesh, while Rajendra Laxmi Gaire insisted on the need to guarantee the travel safety of people during the rainy season.     

Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar demanded the withdrawal of the luxury tax announced on gold and silver, while Gomadevi Timilsina urged the Nepal Electricity Authority to manage the messed up electric wires in various districts of Terai/Madhesh region.     

Durga Kumari Gurung stressed that the situation forcing people from Karnali to go to India for jobs must end, and emphasized the need for skill-enhancing and self-employment opportunities within the country.(RSS)