Rastriya Swatantra Party MPs Criticize Government Budget Allocation

Kathmandu. MPs of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have strongly criticized the government for not allocating the necessary budget to solve the pressing problems of the people. Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, RSP MPs questioned the budget allocation system of the government in which they are involved and demanded a review of the budget and fulfillment of the basic needs of the citizens.

Speaking at the meeting, RSP MP Indira Rana Magar drew the attention of Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle to make budget arrangements so that the problems of the people in crisis can be solved immediately. She stated that the government should not delay in arranging the necessary budget for infrastructure as citizens in places like Jhapa, Humla, and Jumla have to take great risks daily due to lack of roads. Expressing surprise that the road plan connecting Ilam via Batase to the Madan Bhandari Highway was not included, she said, 'This road will benefit 500 households. Otherwise, they have to go two hours away via Phikkal. But from there, one can reach Birtamod in half an hour. Seeing that such a risky, challenging plan was not included, I am surprised. Therefore, I request our Infrastructure Minister, as well as the Finance Minister – not just of Jhapa, but also of remote places like Jumla and Humla, where people live in challenging circumstances. I request a review of the budget.'

Similarly, another RSP MP, Shobha Khanal, strongly demanded that the government arrange sufficient chemical fertilizers for the farmers. She complained that the government had not shown enough interest in solving the problem of severe fertilizer shortage faced by farmers during the main farming season. Alerting the government to make the chemical fertilizer distribution system transparent, she said, 'Farmers are struggling day and night due to the lack of chemical fertilizers during the important farming season. Who will understand their problems? Mr. Speaker. Various statistics show that 60 to 91 percent of the labor force in Nepal is in the agricultural sector. In such a situation, it is very unfortunate that farmers do not get fertilizer during the main paddy planting season. Lack of fertilizer will reduce production, increase farmers' costs, and affect food security. Therefore, through the Speaker, I request that the supply of fertilizer be ensured in Gorkha district and all other places.'

In the meeting, RSP MP Bishwaraj Pokharel pressured the government to bring a special concrete program to control the increasing monkey menace in various parts of the country. He also drew the government's attention to the serious issue of citizens losing their lives prematurely due to the lack of proper medical treatment at the Okhaldhunga District Hospital. Stating the problems in his area, he said, 'The pain of citizens losing their lives prematurely due to lack of proper treatment at Okhaldhunga District Hospital is burning. I want to draw the government's attention to arrange for necessary treatment. Similarly, citizens are suffering greatly from monkey menace. If this is not controlled, the entire settlement is at risk of being abandoned. Therefore, through the Speaker, I urge the government to pay special attention to monkey control.' Speaking in parliament, MP Pokharel also demanded that the state become more responsible to ensure the fundamental rights of citizens in practice.