Parliamentary Hearing Committee Proposes Mandatory Self-Report Cards for Appointees

Kathmandu. The Parliamentary Hearing Committee (Joint) has emphasized making it mandatory for office-bearers of constitutional commissions and appointed individuals to publicly disclose their 'self-report cards' on the implementation status of commitments made during hearings.

Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar on Friday, Committee Chairman Bhodra Narayan Shrestha stated that appointed officials should themselves make public the progress of their action plans to the citizens after the hearing.

Chairman Shrestha mentioned that although some provisions were included in the committee's working procedures to make them accountable to the country and citizens, they were insufficient. He stressed the need to institutionalize this matter by enacting a separate federal law on parliamentary hearings. He stated that once the law is enacted, clarity will emerge regarding the criteria for hearings, the nature of questions, and accountability.

He said that the quality of questions asked during the hearing determines the outcome, and without the right questions, the right answers will not come. He said, 'It is the responsibility of the concerned individual to state whether they have worked according to the commitments made during the hearing, and this involves generating and publishing a self-report card. This seeks to make officials accountable to the country and citizens.'

He pointed out the need to advance this as a bill in the absence of a law. He also emphasized the need to formulate a code of conduct for asking questions in a manner that does not hurt the dignity and respect of any individual.

During the discussion, Chairman Shrestha committed to prioritizing the confidentiality and security of the complainant. He informed that the committee is actively working to create an environment for asking questions in a manner that clarifies doubts and is respectful.

The committee expects the hearing process to become more transparent and effective after the enactment of the law.