Unconditional grants given to the local levels by the federal government are insufficient
KATHMANDU, JULY 11
National Assembly members have drawn the government's attention to the need to ensure immediate relief to people affected by flooding, landslides, and inundation and to take effective measures for treatment and control of COVID-19.
Speaking at the special hour in today's meeting of the NA, Indira Devi Gautam of CPN-UML stressed the need to enhance coordination among stakeholders for effective implementation of the programmes unveiled by the government.
NA member of the Nepali Congress Anita Devkota accused the government of working against democratic norms and values. She urged the government to develop the NA as a platform to validate the issues of the public.
She also asked the government to focus on making proper arrangements in a bid to rescue communities affected by flooding and landslides and ensure vaccines against COVID-19.
Likewise, Taraman Swar of CPN-Maoist Centre argued that the government had failed to address the issues of socio-economic, educational and tourism sectors and added that these sectors were in shambles.
Also speaking at the special hour, Pramila Kumari of Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal said people in and around Saptari and Sunsari were terrified due to the rise in water level of the Koshi River.
Ganga Kumari Belbase of CPN-Maoist Centre stated that everyone should be vigilant to safeguard the achievements made so far from the different struggle movements.
NA member Dr Bimala Rai Poudel expressed displeasure at the use of indecent language towards the president and other reputed organisations in social networking sites. UML's Shanti Kumari Adhikari asked the government to ensure incentives for frontline workers deployed for treatment and control of COVID-19.
Likewise, independent lawmaker Khimlal Devkota said unconditional grants being provided to the local level from the federal government were insufficient considering the huge responsibilities of the local level. Lawmaker Sumitra BC of UML has called for immediate and long-term relief to flood-hit people.
Parshuram Meghi Gurung of UML said global warming had resulted in snow meltdown in Nepal and affected human life.
A version of this article appears in the print on July 12 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
