Kathmandu, September 20

Six of the 10 thematic committees of the House of Representatives are set to be led by women lawmakers.

The Parliament Secretariat today received nominations for the chairs of HoR thematic committees. The chairs of the thematic committees will officially be declared tomorrow.

This would be the first time in Nepal’s parliamentary  history for HoR committees to have 60 per cent women representation.

Of the 10 thematic committees, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) will lead eight. Six of the eight nominees from the NCP (NCP) are women. The NCP (NCP) nominees are Pabitra Kharel Niroula (International Relations Committee), Purna K Subedi (Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee), Niru Devi Pal (Women and Social Committee), Shashi Shrestha (State Affairs and Good Governance Committee), Kalyani Khadka (Development and Technology Committee) and Jaypuri Gharti (Education and Health Committee).

Two other nominees from the party are Krishna Prasad Dahal (Finance Committee) and Krishna Bhakta Pokhrel (Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee).

“This is the first time 60 per cent women representation has been ensured in HoR committees. I am happy that women lawmakers are fairly represented,” said NPC (NCP) lawmaker Binda Pandey. She further said this was an opportunity as well as a challenge for women lawmakers.

“This is a sign that the party leadership has faith in women lawmakers. But they will have to prove their worth,” she said.

Lawmaker Niru Devi Pal, who has been nominated for the chair of Women and Social Welfare Committee, said,” Out role as chairs of HoR thematic committees will be crucial as cases of violence against women have been increasing. We will have to do our best to stand out.”

Remaining two committees’ will be led by Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal lawmaker Bimal Prasad Shreewastab (Industry, Commerce, Labour and Consumer Welfare Committee) and Nepali Congress lawmaker Bharat Kumar Shah (Public Accounts Committee).

The National Assembly has already elected the chairs of its thematic committees. Of the four NA committees, two are led by male lawmakers and two by female lawmakers.