National Assembly Chairman Dahal Calls for People-Centric Parliament

Kathmandu. Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has stated that the federal parliament should be an institutional expression of the sovereign will of the people. Speaking at a program organized at Singhdarbar on the occasion of the 68th Parliament Day, Chairman Dahal called on the members of parliament to rise above party interests and focus on public welfare. Chairman Dahal also said that parliamentary practice should be made result-oriented and technology-friendly.

Chairman Dahal said that the current working style of the parliament needs to be critically reviewed. 'We have to ask ourselves – are the necessary laws and regulations being enacted by the parliament on time? Is the executive accountable to the parliament?', Dahal said. He argued that making parliamentary debates fact-based, dignified, and constructive is the indispensable need of the hour.

Hinting at the ongoing debate about constitutional amendment, Chairman Dahal said that the constitution is not rigid but a 'living document' that is amended according to time and public aspirations. However, he warned, 'The objective of constitutional amendment should not be to turn back from past achievements, but to move forward towards a more mature and strong democratic system. It should not be centered on the interests of any party or community.' He said that amendments should only be made to further institutionalize the common heritage of the nation, such as republic, federalism, secularism, and inclusivity.

Stating that the 21st century is the age of science and technology, Chairman Dahal said that the parliament should move towards the concept of a 'digital parliament'. He said that it is not too late to create a legal framework for the responsible and humane use of artificial intelligence (AI), embracing the changes it has brought to the world.

Emphasizing the need to make Nepal's youth population an active partner in national development, Chairman Dahal said that it is the main responsibility of the parliament to formulate policies that create employment, entrepreneurship, and digital opportunities for the youth. 'Only by winning the trust of the youth can public faith in democracy be strengthened,' he said.

Considering the increasingly complex regional and global power balance and Nepal's sensitive geopolitical position, he said that there is a need for minimum consensus and stability among all parties on issues of national interest and foreign policy.

Finally, Chairman Dahal appealed to make dialogue a means of cooperation, not division, and urged everyone to unite in the journey of building a prosperous Nepal by preserving the achievements of the federal democratic republic.