RSP & RPP boycott parliament; ministers respond to budget queries

KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives’ session on Monday began amid protest, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotting the meeting over the alleged involvement of the government in human trafficking under the guise of visit visas.

RSP lawmaker Shiv Nepali, speaking during an emergency slot, demanded a high-level investigation into the ongoing human trafficking racket operating through visit visas.

He also accused the ruling parties of suppressing the voices of the opposition in Parliament.

“We are the people’s representatives, yet our voices are ignored,” he said. “Human trafficking is taking place under the cover of visit visas. This demands a serious investigation.”

The RSP reiterated its call for either a high-level parliamentary probe committee or a judicial commission to investigate the issue. The party warned it would continue to obstruct Parliament until the demand is fulfilled.

Budget Debate Continues; Ministers Respond to Allocations

Today’s session also included responses from various ministers on the budget allocations under the Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26).

Ministries scheduled for discussion today include:

• Ministry of Forests and Environment

• Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration

• Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation

• Ministry of Defense

• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

• Ministry of Health and Population

• Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

• Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

In addition, ministers from other key ministries—such as Labour, Home, Foreign Affairs, Education, Women and Children, and Physical Infrastructure—are also expected to address questions raised during the previous debates.