RSS Dialogue with Lawmaker: Effective implementation of laws challenging, says NA member Bishwakarma

Kathmandu, March 16: Tul Prasad Bishwakarma has been a member of the National Assembly (NA) for the past three months. During this time, he has had both ‘bitter’ and ‘sweet’ experiences as a legislator.

“The Parliament is the body reflecting citizens’ supremacy. This is the venue for enacting laws,” he said. However, in reality, he has realized that lawmakers ‘overlook’ citizens’ concerns once they secure their seats in parliament.

“What I have experienced in parliament is that a majority of lawmakers look for opportunities to be in the government instead of focusing on the public agenda,” he said. “Personal and political interests dominate over the legislative responsibilities of lawmakers.”

He stated that the parties with the majority of votes try to influence the parliamentary agenda, and the large parties are focused on forming the government based on political sharing, overlooking the citizens’ agenda.

In his view, the effective implementation of the constitution is still awaited. The laws mandated by the constitution have not been drafted, and the implementation of existing acts has been weak.

“The Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Offense and Punishment) Act, which dates back 13 years, has not been enforced effectively. Dalits continue to face caste-based discrimination and torture, while perpetrators walk free. They have not been brought to justice,” he said. Furthermore, the government is not serious about addressing the urgent need to enact additional laws for the improvement of Dalit rights.

“It is unconvincing and not a good gesture to bring ordinances when parliament is functioning,” he said.

Bishwakarma questioned the relevance of federalism in a geographically smaller country like Nepal. “It is a costlier system for Nepal,” he remarked.

He emphasized the need for effective enforcement of laws and transparency in government functioning to promote good governance in the country. Additional measures are needed to further improve the rights of women, Madhesi, indigenous people, Muslims, and citizens from backward communities, he stressed.

Lawmaker Bishwakarma also stressed the need for industrial development to reduce the plight of youths seeking jobs abroad. Applied and vocational education should be adopted and promoted, with significant improvements in the existing education system.

[Bishwakarma, the central advisor to the Rastriya Janamorcha, was born on Asoj 1, 2015 BS (September 17, 1958) in Baglung.]

RSS