House endorses public accounts report, sports bill discussed

KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives, in its meeting today, unanimously endorsed the 23rd Annual Report of the Public Accounts Committee for the year 2082 BS.

Committee Chair Rishikesh Pokharel presented the proposal for approval in accordance with Section 41(9) of the Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Act, 2076.

Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire informed the House that the Office of the President had submitted a letter stating that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, will oversee the Prime Minister’s daily administrative duties during PM KP Sharma Oli’s absence. Prime Minister Oli is attending the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

During the meeting, Federal Parliament Secretary General Padma Prasad Pandey briefed the House on a message received from the President regarding the “Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers, and Procedures) (First Amendment) Bill, 2079.” The bill, previously forwarded for authentication, has been returned by the President for further review and analysis.

Similarly, House Secretary Harkaraj Rai tabled a message received from the National Assembly concerning the Customs Bill, 2080, which originated in the House of Representatives.

In another development, Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary introduced a proposal to deliberate on the “National Sports Development (First Amendment) Bill, 2082,” which was unanimously accepted. A thorough discussion on the bill’s principles also took place during the session.

Lawmakers stressed the need for the government to prioritize sports, develop infrastructure, ensure regular salaries and benefits for athletes, and insulate the sector from political interference.

Responding to queries, Minister Chaudhary said the bill seeks to address anti-doping regulations, streamline elections in sports associations, and incorporate inputs from extensive stakeholder consultations.