Lawmakers want fast projects during the HoR session, ending with Chhaupadi

During Tuesday's zero-hour session of the House of Representatives, lawmakers raised a wide range of issues of burning concern, calling on the government to move at a fast pace on priority infrastructure development projects, deliver basic services, and end the age-old tradition of Chhaupadi, which involves isolating menstruating women and girls.

Lawmakers often spoke about delays and problems in infrastructure development. MP Dilendra Prasad Badu said that contract tenders usually start late, often near the end of the financial year, which slows down the work and affects progress.

He asked the Speaker to hold project officials accountable and that they sign contracts on time so that they are completed in good time.

Focusing on tunnel construction, MP Thakur Gaire highlighted the slow pace of work on the Siddhababa Tunnel project in Palpa, which has only achieved 57.51% physical and 51.1% financial progress. He insisted that the project should be completed at a rapid pace to overcome safety issues.

MP Devendra Paudel had discussed the landslides on the Mid-Hill Highway and appealed for road reconstruction at the earliest, especially in Baglung's Akhsetel. He had also appealed for the early completion of the Uttarganga Reservoir Hydropower Project. Similarly, MP Dhan Bahadur Budha had appealed for accelerating contract procedures for the Jagdulla Hydropower Project in Dolpa.

Several lawmakers focused on water and agriculture. MP Prabhu Hazara demanded increasing drinking water, irrigation, and fertilizer supply, while MP Narayani Sharma protested the recent delisting order by the Health Insurance Board of Rapti Institute of Health Sciences, which has priced healthcare out of reach for millions.

MP Pratiksha Tiwari raised concern about elderly and disabled citizens being forced to appear in person to renew their social security allowances. She urged the Home Ministry to make the process easier.

A major issue that lawmakers from all parties agreed on was the ongoing harmful practice of Chhaupadi.

 MP Pushpa Bahadur Shah and MP Bimala Subedi denounced the government's failure to act and demanded destruction of menstrual huts (Chhaugoths), particularly in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Subedi was ashamed of a recent incident in Kanchanpur where a woman lost her life after staying inside a Chhaugoth.

MP Durga Rai referenced the parliamentary ordinance that invoked the formation of a Women's Coordination Committee, which has yet to occur. She insisted that it be formed right away.

Demands for greater transparency and accountability were also on the agenda. MP Purna Bahadur Gharti demanded explanation regarding the much-criticized head transfer of the Kaski Land Revenue Office, the appointment of the Land Commission Chair, and the visit visa scandal. MP Prakash Jwala blamed the government for failing to practice good governance, stem corruption, or provide basic commodities and employment within the first year.

MP Prem Bahadur Maharjan himself kicked off the trend of members making baseless heavy allegations to stop and bring in accountable speech on the House floor.

In conclusion, MP Basudev Ghimire urged the government to ensure that the projects are completed on time and by maintaining quality in the next fiscal year, instilling confidence among people as well as the national development activities.

There was growing frustration among MPs over stalled development, lack of service delivery and social injustice, with a general demand for better governance and government action, the session emphasised.