Lawmakers raise alarming issues in today’s NA meeting

KATHMANDU: In today’s meeting of Nepal’s National Assembly, lawmakers drew the government’s attention to several pressing national and international concerns during zero hour.

MP Uday Bahadur Bohara demanded a thorough investigation into the death of Nepali student Prinsa Sah, who was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India. He also called for a factual investigation into the death of Sushant Oli, a Nepali student studying at the University of London.

MP Krishna Prasad Paudel expressed concern over the rising trade deficit and urged the government to draft the upcoming budget with strategies to reduce it. MP Gomadevi Timilsina criticized the lack of good governance and emphasized the need for effective governance reforms.

MP Jayanti Devi Rai highlighted the severe impact of child marriage, noting that children born from such unions often lack birth registration, preventing them from accessing education. She demanded legal provisions to ensure their right to education and also called for clarity on the KIIT incident.

MP Durga Gurung pointed out the potential for fruit and vegetable farming in certain districts of Karnali Province and urged the government to create conducive conditions for agriculture. She also raised concern about the rising number of teenage pregnancies in Karnali and demanded awareness and educational programs.

MP Narayan Dutta Mishra criticized the government’s inaction over the unused infrastructure of Geta Medical College in Sudurpaschim Province, describing it as a “ghost house.” He too called for an investigation into the KIIT incident.

MP Bhuvanraj Sunar questioned why former King Gyanendra Shah had not yet been investigated over the March 28 (Chaitra 15) incident at Tinkune, demanding accountability from the government.

MP Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) called for improved higher education facilities within the country, arguing that a better academic environment would prevent tragedies like the recurring deaths of Nepali students at KIIT.

MP Mohammad Khalid urged the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to repair roads damaged by early pre-monsoon rains to avoid travel disruptions.

MP Yubaraj Sharma warned that monsoon-related disasters could cause severe loss of life and property, calling for early disaster preparedness.

MP Rajendra Laxmi Gaire raised concerns over repeated tragic incidents involving Nepali students at KIIT, questioning whether these were accidents or part of a deeper conspiracy. She demanded an impartial investigation and also urged the government to ensure roads remain passable during the monsoon season.