Practice of open parliament underlined

Gandaki, Nov 19: Speakers at a consultative meeting held in Pokhara have called on the Gandaki Province Assembly to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and public participation in the lawmaking process.

The event, jointly organized by Governance International Nepal and the Gandaki Province Secretariat on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of ensuring that provincial legislation reflects citizens’ voices. Discussions centered on parliamentary openness, external oversight, and the current practices of the provincial assembly.

Deputy Speaker Bina Kumari Thapa stressed that making parliamentary procedures more inclusive and responsible would help promote justice and public trust. “Parliament belongs to the people’s representatives, so its activities must be closely connected with citizens,” she said, noting that the assembly has been increasing avenues for public participation in recent years.

Nepali Congress parliamentary party whip Prakash Baral stated that citizens now have direct access to information regarding the assembly’s work, thanks to improved use of digital platforms. He added that expert opinions are regularly sought during the drafting of bills.

Former minister and province assembly member Saraswati Tiwari Aryal pointed out that although expert consultations take place, limited resources have hindered wider public feedback. Another member, Leel Bahadur Thapa, remarked that the provincial institutions must work harder to build public confidence.

Subject expert and journalist Krishna Prasad Sapkota delivered a presentation emphasizing that an open parliament not only strengthens democratic values but also ensures laws are shaped by public concerns. He highlighted the crucial role of oversight mechanisms in keeping lawmakers accountable and aligning policies with broader societal interests.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Province Assembly Secretariat, Govind Paudel, informed that the Gandaki Province Assembly has passed a total of 87 bills to date.