By Ranju Kafle
Kathmandu May 18: Discussions on the policy and programme of the government for the year 2020/21 began in both the Houses of Federal Parliament on Sunday. Lawmakers and leaders of parties expressed mixed reactions on the document.
Lawmakers of ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) appreciated the government for the document while the opposition leaders blamed the government for not being able to handle health crisis.
The ruling party lawmakers said that the document of the government included appropriate priorities of the time whereas the opposition objected to the claims. “Prevention, controlling and treatment measures against COVID-19 have not been addressed well,” they said. The document was the continuation of previous year, said the lawmakers from the opposition parties.
Main Opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the government had failed to extend COVID-19 tests. “The government was neither able to estimate the possible losses due to the virus pandemic nor was it serious enough towards it,” he said. Deuba said the government had no heart to feel the pain of the people in such health crisis.
Stating that in four months since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded on January 24, and in 55 days of lockdown the government tested only 26,691 people via PCR, Deuba said the government had made no preparation about providing safety equipment and necessary materials to health workers, ensuring availability of trustworthy testing kits, ventilators and treatment materials to hospitals. He said that the government did not provide appropriate relief to COVID-19 suffers and did nothing to bring the stranded Nepalis home.
Accusing the government of enjoying self-appreciation from policy and programme and claiming that it did a lot in two years, Deuba said it was false and urged Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to read policy and programme of past two years to come on the real ground. Deuba claimed the government did not meet any target set for two years.
He said the government failed to understand the present problems and difficulties stating that most past programmes were repeated in annual policy and programme.
Deuba questioned government’s plans about revenue generation.
He said the government's claims about good governance, law and order and corruption control were not realistic.
Deuba said the government lacked vision to address the problems of industries, construction sector and employment problems.
The NC chief further said the government looked listless about federalism implementation and State governments were not getting the rights as provisioned in the constitution.
Deuba said the government's mention about encroached Nepali territory in Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani was positive but not sufficient and urged to hold high level talks with India and China for solution.
He demanded for approval of the US-funded project Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) project in the ongoing house session.
Former speaker and deputy leader of ruling NCP Subash Nembang appreciated the government for the document. “The document speaks of dynamic impacts caused by coronavirus and will give required solutions too,” he said.
According to Nembang, the policy document covers each and every contemporary issue required for the betterment of the country. “Issues of migrant workers, risk of possible unemployment, production enhancement towards self-reliance are incorporated in the document which reflects clear commitment of the government,” he added. Essential socio-political and economic issues are prioritised well in the policy, he added.
Similarly, RJPN leader Rajendra Mahato was unhappy with the lengthy document. “Is it an appropriate time for such a lengthy document,” he asked. He commented that the document had lapses in regard to contemporary needs and in saving the lives of people. More clear and concise document was anticipated, he said.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari had presented the document in the Parliament on Friday. Parliament Secretariat said, the discussion session will continue for Monday and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli would respond to the queries raised in the session on Tuesday.
Do not make expressions casting dout on election: EC
14 Apr, 2022CM Bhatta says may New Year 2079 BS inspire positive thinking
14 Apr, 2022Three new cases, 44 recoveries in 24 hours
14 Apr, 2022689 climbers of 84 teams so far acquire permits for climbing various peaks this spring season
14 Apr, 2022How the rising cost of living crisis is impacting Nepal
14 Apr, 2022US military confirms an interstellar meteor collided with Earth
14 Apr, 2022Valneva Covid vaccine approved for use in UK
14 Apr, 2022Chair Prachanda highlights need of unity among Maoist, Communist forces
14 Apr, 2022Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt: Bollywood toasts star couple on wedding
14 Apr, 2022President Bhandari confers decorations (Photo Feature)
14 Apr, 2022