Kathmandu, March 31

A meeting of Agriculture and Water Resources Committee of the Parliament today flayed the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers for setting up a separate Ministry of Livestock Development.

Taking strong exception to formation of 40 ministries although the new constitution limits the number of ministries to a maximum of 25, the panel headed by Gagan Thapa sought clarification on the issue from the OPMCM.

“The committee wants to know the theoretical basis and justification for setting up a separate Ministry of Livestock Development” stated the panel in its decision.

However, the panel also suggested to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Commission to double the budget for the Ministry of Livestock Development. The House panel also said that performance of the ministry was very poor and asked the ministry to submit the implementation status of its time-bound work plan.

Also the panel instructed the ministry to submit milk production and distribution plan within seven days.

It also asked the ministry to ensure production of hygienic meat and find possible ways to export meat and milk products.