Lawmakers for early formulation of laws on federalism

Kathmandu: The lawmakers from various political parties have underscored the urgency of laws to implement federalism effectively.

During a discussion organised by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB) here on Sunday, they argued that the more the law-making delays, the more implementation of federalism is prolonged.

Lawmaker from the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, urged both the government and parliament to intensify drafting laws related to civil service, police and school education because these were directly related to the enforcement of federalism.

He expressed worry about why the federal government was not devolving the rights owed to the province and local levels. He said, ‘While the transport-related rights are exercised by the provincial governments, it is sheer interference of the federal government to issue ruling on ride-sharing.’

He also advocated for the directly elected President to maintain political stability in the country, while the government could be made up of politicians, from among the area experts.

CPN (UML) lawmaker Ishwari Ghatri Magar, however, argued that lawmaking had gained pace lately and the making of laws for implementing the constitutional provisions was in a final stage. She admitted that the federal government delayed law-making, but even the provincial and local governments were not proactive in writing laws on their exclusive rights.

National Assembly Member Jayanti Devi Rai shared, ‘Generally, private bills are not raised and passed. Discussions are not meaningful in the absence of ministers. But, once a lawmaker becomes a minister, he/she has a short time to engage in discussion, thereby delaying law-making.’

She further blamed that political party leaders and lawmakers were more active in forming or toppling governments rather than in lawmaking, which has a direct bearing on the lawmaking process.

Moreover, Chairperson of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, expressed worry that although laws should have been drafted within three years of the introduction of the constitution, laws to enforce fundamental rights are yet to be enacted even after ten years of having the national charter.

She said, ‘We handed over the right to formulate periodic plans in provinces to the provincial governments, but failed to hand over the budget to them. The government’s responsible behaviour is warranted in lawmaking, as is in case with lawmakers.’

Panta also admitted that the government was focusing more on amendments than preparing new laws.

RSS