NA Meeting: Lawmakers Raise Landless Squatters’ Issue

Speaking during the zero hour in today’s meeting of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, MPs drew the government’s attention through the house to address the demands of the homeless squatters kept in the ‘holding centre’.

They also suggested that the government should ensure there is no shortage of water for irrigation, fertilizer, and seeds when the nation is celebrating the National Paddy Day.

Chandra Bahadur KC drew the government’s attention to the demands of homeless people kept at the ‘holding center’.

Jagat Timilsina said that Nepal’s constitution and the Child Act prohibit giving party membership to anyone under 18.

Meena Singh Rakhal demanded that the government be alert to ensure there is no shortage of water, fertilizers, and seeds to farmers as the nation marks the National Paddy Day. Ranjit Karna urged the government to address the demands of farmers protesting in Rajbiraj, Saptari, asking for land ownership certificates.

Rekha Kumari Jha drew the government’s attention to the misuse of state resources at the Nepal Water Supply Corporation in Rajbiraj, noting that vehicles operated from the state treasury with a white number plate were given a red plate, exploiting state resources. Roshani Meche pointed out to the government that there is a legal requirement to be 18 years old to become a member of a political party.

Basudev Ghimire expressed objection over some errors noticed in the recently-held Ten Plus Two exams. Samjhana Devkota highlighted to the government that life has become difficult as both border checkpoints in the mountainous region of Gorkha district are closed, and she requested opening the border crossings, even if just for the tourist trail.

Somnath Portel drew the government’s attention to the ban on betel nut exports and urged the government to immediately reverse the decision to carry out the ‘DNA’ testing of betel nuts and thereby support the farmers.

Durga Gurung suggested that the government come up with programmes keeping in mind the rights and interests of the poor, marginalized, and landless. Nara Bahadur Bista said that the appointment of vice-chancellors at universities should be transparent.

Samjhana Devkota called for creating an environment where we can be self-reliant in food grains and seeds. Mohammad Khalid emphasized that the questions raised about the holding center should be taken seriously.

Bishnu Kumari Sapkota expressed the view that no political party should give children membership or use them for party purposes. Somnath Portel asked the state to apologize and take policy actions to eliminate caste discrimination.

Ranjit Karna pointed out that the provincial structure has weaknesses that need to be fixed and emphasized moving forward by addressing these weaknesses.

Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire called for the health insurance programme to be continued, and demanded solving the drinking water problem across the country, including in Madhesh Province, by ensuring one water tap per household.

Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma emphasized that the provincial structure should not be abolished. (RSS)