Lawmakers Raise Concerns on Media Pressure, Disasters, Foreign Employment Issues

Kathmandu. Lawmakers have drawn the government's attention to various issues related to undue pressure on media houses, the devastation of floods and landslides, problems in foreign employment, and the daily lives of citizens. Speaking in the zero hour of the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, lawmakers demanded that the government ensure good governance and citizen security. Lawmakers Balabati Sharma, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, Mohammad Firdos Alam, and Renuka Kaucha objected to the dramatic act of blocking roads in front of prominent media houses and political leaders' residences, creating terror. Stating that such activities, which psychologically pressure the media fraternity, are fatal to democracy, they demanded an impartial investigation into the incident and action against the culprits. Lawmakers Balabati Sharma, Bhim Kumari Buda Magar, and Renuka Kaucha drew the government's attention to the inundation of slum settlements and their right to housing. Speaking on the untimely demise of Ganesh Nepali and the plight of slum dwellers, they said that the state should not commit acts that trample on human sensitivity. Lawmaker Rima Bishwakarma emphasized that the state must be serious about citizens' mental health and suicide incidents. Lawmaker Basana Thapa demanded that the real situation of Nepalis, including Prakash Bisht, who are missing in the Russia-Ukraine war, be made public and the search intensified. Similarly, lawmaker Bishwaraj Pokharel urged that embassies be activated to ensure the security and dignity of citizens abroad, as youths from Okhaldhunga and other parts of the country who went for foreign employment are being cheated and exploited. Lawmakers Bidushi Rana and Radhika Ramtel demanded that the legal identity, social security, and insurance of workers employed in ride-sharing and delivery services be ensured. They also demanded that the government control the exorbitant fares charged by ride-sharing companies during rain and peak hours and implement a transparent system. Likewise, lawmaker Ramesh Prasai drew attention to the need to create a scientific standard for house rent and protect the interests of tenants. Lawmaker Buddhiprasad Pant spoke about the severe problem caused by chemical pollution from industries in the ancient Sirsiya River in Birgunj. Lawmakers Buddhi Ratna Mahajan and Ramesh Kumar Mall demanded the resolution of drinking water and electrification problems in various areas of Lalitpur and Salyan. Lawmakers Mahendrabahadur Shahi, Rupesh Ranjit, and Bhumika Limbu Subba urged for immediate rescue and relief efforts on a war footing, stating that the government's preparedness for the human crisis caused by floods, landslides, and road blockades during the monsoon season is zero. Lawmaker Madhukumar Chaulagain presented the suffering of a new mother due to the lack of health services in Khanikhola, Kavre. Lawmaker Ramesh Kumar Sapkota demanded an improvement in the dilapidated condition of health posts in Karnali. Lawmaker Madhab Bahadur Thapa suggested stopping the misuse of government vehicles and establishing a provincial branch for maintenance. Furthermore, lawmaker Rajiv Khatri demanded an investigation into the middlemen's manipulation and illegal collection in the health check-up for driving licenses. In the meeting, lawmakers appealed to the government to be accountable through the parliament, stating that the government has not shown sensitivity to these public interest issues.