Speaker DP Aryal rules government must respond to lawmakers’ concerns within three days

Speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, has issued a directive demanding a government response within three days to critical issues raised by lawmakers. The concerns, brought forth by lawmakers Gopal Sharma and Ashika Tamang, pertain to the government's handling of post-earthquake relief efforts and the repatriation of a Nepali citizen's remains.

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On August 7, I gave the government a nine-day deadline and sought at least a response. I raised this as a shared concern. Since there has still been no response, I request the Speaker to issue an immediate ruling with a deadline.

Communist Party lawmaker Gopal Sharma reminded the House that he had previously raised concerns on August 7 regarding individuals affected by the Jajarkot earthquake. Sharma had urged the government to take responsibility for relief and reconstruction in Jajarkot and Salyan, noting a lack of response despite a nine-day deadline he had set. He requested the Speaker's intervention to ensure an immediate response.

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Thirty-seven days ago, I raised the issue during the zero hour, asking that Santosh Rai’s body be brought back to Nepal from Cambodia. But the issue disappeared into the zero hour.

Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ashika Tamang focused on the case of Santosh Rai from Dhading, whose body remains in Cambodia. Tamang stated that 37 days prior, she had raised the issue of bringing Rai's body back to Nepal, but it had since been neglected. She expressed frustration over the lack of progress, questioning how long lawmakers must persistently follow up with various government officials on the same matter.

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I thought that once an issue was raised in the House, it would be implemented. But how long must a lawmaker keep going from one minister’s door to another secretary’s door to pursue the same issue, Speaker?

Tamang further explained that while the Ministry of Finance had allocated a budget for managing the repatriation, procedural hurdles prevented its use. She vowed to continue her advocacy until a satisfactory response was provided. Following these appeals, Speaker Aryal formally directed the government to address the issues raised by Sharma and Tamang within the stipulated three-day period. This action follows a recent directive by Speaker Aryal for Prime Minister Balendra Shah to personally appear before the House and address lawmakers' questions.

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I direct the government to respond within three days to the issues raised by Honourable Member Gopal Sharma and Honourable Member Ashika Tamang.