National Assembly members demand reversal of two-day public holiday decision

Kathmandu. National Assembly members have expressed strong opposition to the government's decision to grant a two-day public holiday, demanding its immediate withdrawal.

Speaking at Monday's session, lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwokarma argued that this government move would lead to administrative disorder. He questioned the government's intent, asking why it would leave civil servants idle for three days a week.

He argued that using the war in West Asia as a pretext to close educational institutions and government offices is unjustifiable. Bishwokarma specifically warned the government about the negative impact on students' education.

Highlighting that Nepal is a mountainous and impoverished nation where most students walk to school, he criticized the government's double standards in keeping public transport operational while closing schools. He demanded the immediate revocation of the decision, citing severe consequences for the educational and administrative sectors.

Similarly, lawmaker Sabitri Malla drew the government's attention to the price hikes in petroleum products and cooking gas. She stated that the excessive price increases by the Oil Corporation, citing international market trends, have led to higher transportation and shipping costs, directly impacting the prices of daily essential goods.

Noting that inflation and shortages of essential goods have made life difficult for the general public, she pressured the government to adjust prices immediately. Lawmaker Malla emphasized that the government must take special measures to control artificial shortages and price hikes to provide relief to the public.

She asserted that instead of using international factors as an excuse, it is the government's primary responsibility to protect citizens from the burden of inflation through effective internal management.