Lawmakers Raise Concerns on Economy, Squatter Issues, and Disabled Livelihoods

Kathmandu. Lawmakers have drawn the government's serious attention to the country's latest economic situation, inflation, the squatter problem, and the livelihoods of persons with disabilities.

In the zero hour of the National Assembly meeting held on Friday, lawmakers raised various public interest issues to draw the government's attention.

Speaking at the meeting, lawmaker Ghanshyam Rizal objected to the fact that fuel prices have not been adjusted in Nepal even though international fuel prices have decreased. He mentioned that the daily lives of ordinary citizens have become difficult due to the sharp increase in fuel prices, leading to increased prices of daily necessities, medicines, and public transport fares. Stating that the price hike of construction materials has obstructed infrastructure development and led to job losses for laborers, he demanded immediate price reduction to provide relief to the public.

Similarly, lawmaker Padambahadur Pariyar raised the issue of the government obstructing the livelihoods of visually impaired and disabled persons through musical performances. Informing that they were apprehended from the Tilganga area and kept in a holding center, and due to this, they were forced to protest at Maitighar, he demanded their rehabilitation and assurance of an environment to work freely.

Members also strongly criticized the government regarding the squatter management issue. Lawmaker Renu Chand accused the government of trying to displace squatters without proper management. She argued that the government made irresponsible remarks on border and federalism issues and violated the human rights of squatters.

Another lawmaker, Bishnukumari Sapkota, stated that it was inhumane to bring squatters to the streets by deploying bulldozers without prior preparation of a safe place. Stating that the decision to provide Rs 25,000 in relief and vacate the holding center was not just, she urged the government to protect the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution and arrange for permanent housing.

Lawmakers Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma and Shri Krishna Prasad Adhikari said that evicting squatters from camps without making permanent housing arrangements is a violation of the constitution and human rights. They warned of immediate cessation of the act of leaving children and the elderly stranded during the rainy season, contrary to the commitment to provide land ownership certificates within 60 days.

Similarly, lawmaker Savitri Mall informed that the condition of 93 percent of women and 44 percent of chronically ill patients in the holding center is precarious. She expressed dissatisfaction that despite the government's assurance of a solution within 60 days, no concrete work has been done so far, and instead, a notice to vacate the camp has been issued.

Lawmaker Bishnu Devi Pudasaini objected to the proposal to increase taxes in the education and health sectors. She urged the withdrawal of the 35 percent tax imposed on education and health and welcomed the proposal to include Gokarneshwor in the World Heritage List. She also drew the government's attention to managing the wall of Gokarna Resort to reduce traffic jams and operate the Bagmati corridor from Sundarijal to Guheshwori.