It is against constitutional provision to scuttle bill through ordinance: Lawmaker Pun

KATHMANDU: Lawmaker and Former Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said that to introduce a bill under discussion at the parliamentary committee as an ordinance is against the constitutional provision and an act that hurts the parliamentary prestige.

Pun, the Deputy General Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), made this statement while taking part in a meeting of the Finance Committee under the House of the Representatives.

Expressing his concern over the government decision to amend the Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility Act, 2076 BS’ through the ordinance, he said it is against the existing laws.

“The Bill to this regard is under-discussions in a parliamentary committee. The government has not yet withdrawn it. If the government is required to withdraw the bill which is already in the committee, it should propose that to the House. The government issued the ordinance by bypassing all the process and it is against the constitutional provision,” the former Finance Minister said.

Terming this government’s move as an intervention in the parliament’s jurisdiction, he said the move violated the Rule 12(2) of the HoR Regualations-2079 BS.

Committee President Santosh Chalise acknowledged that the Committee had taken note of his concerns. He also confirmed that the government had sent a letter to the Committee requesting the initiation of the process to withdraw the bill. “We have just received the letter,” Chalise said.

It may be noted that President Ramchandra Paudel on Monday issued four ordinances including the Economic Procedure and Financial Responsibility (first amendment) Act. Through the ordinance, the government has amended the ‘annual budget calendar’.

This is the second time the government has brought forward such an ordinance. A similar attempt last year was scrapped after failing to gain approval from the House within the constitutional 60-day deadline.

Additionally, the Committee held discussions with customs agents regarding the Bill aimed at amending and integrating customs-related laws.