KATHMANDU, AUGUST 4

Lawmakers have demanded a clear response from the government on whether it is drafting legislation that could promote polygamy.

During the emergency hour of today's meeting of the House of Representatives, several lawmakers raised concerns over media reports alleging that the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs is preparing a draft bill aimed at legalizing polygamy, and called on the government to clarify its position.

On the occasion, Sunita Baral stated that polygamy is currently illegal, and any attempt to legalize it would be unacceptable under any circumstances. 'A clear response from the government is required in Parliament,' she said.

'Violence against women remains widespread in our society. The drafting of a law on such a sensitive issue must be approached with seriousness and responsibility,' Baral emphasized.

Likewise, Rupa Soshi (Chaudhary) questioned the legitimacy of the reports, noting, 'Women are still struggling for their rights. If the law is amended to recognize polygamy, it would be a serious setback.'

Rama Koirala Paudyal also called on the Ministry to publicly clarify its stance, taking into account the sensitivity of the issue.

Meanwhile, lawmakers Ram Prakash Chaudhary, Ishwori Devi Neupane, and Ranju Kumari Jha drew the government's attention to the ongoing hardships faced by farmers, particularly in the Tarai-Madhes region.

They expressed concern that although the area has been declared a disaster-hit zone, relief has yet to reach the farmers. A lack of electricity infrastructure and chemical fertilizers has severely affected agricultural activities, especially during the peak paddy plantation season. They also stressed the need for Chure conservation and the development of effective irrigation projects as long-term solutions to the region's water shortages.

In a separate concern, Jwala Kumari Sah voiced her alarm over the inadequate services and lack of medical staff at Bir Hospital, while Gyanu Basnet expressed concern over the rising number of road accidents across the country.

Meanwhile, lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) continued their protests, reiterating their demand for the formation of a high-level probe committee into the visit visa scam.

Asim Shah of RSP and Dhurba Bahadur Pradhan of RPP said that the recurring involvement of ministers in cases of corruption and financial irregularities was deeply troubling.

However, Shyam Kumar Ghimire of the Nepali Congress dismissed the protests, stating that they were unjustified.

'Boycotting parliamentary proceedings when the government has already formed a probe committee is inappropriate,' he argued. 'It is contradictory for opposition parties to both present their views and then boycott the meeting. Such actions undermine the discipline of Parliament.'