Major opposition demands formation of parliamentary body to facilitate disaster response

Kathmandu, Sept 15: The main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has drawn an attention of House of Representatives (HoR) to the need to form a high-level parliamentary committee to facilitate the rescue operations, the distribution of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts in the floods-affected areas.

 The major opposition has called for the continuity of the ‘ Lawmakers’ Queries with the Prime Minister’ programme.

NC parliamentary leader Vishmaraj Angdembey drew the parliament’s attention to such needs during his meeting today with Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal.

Though Prime Minister Balendra Shah was scheduled to respond lawmakers’ queries in the August 26 HoR session, the session could not proceed as planned due to the Bhotekoshi floods, Angdembey said.

He added that the Speaker has been urged to ensure the Prime Minister addresses the lawmakers’ concerns before flying to the United States of America to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  He added that the Speaker was positive about the request.

He also stressed the need to recognize the agreement to form a high-level political mechanism as proposed by the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party to lead the initiatives in addressing the post-flood situation.

We should send the message that the State and all political parties stand together during times of disaster. Therefore, a high-level political mechanism and a parliamentary mechanism should be formed to facilitate rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts,” said the leader.

He added that as the opposition, they would continue to draw the attention of the House and the government to these issues.