RSP MPs criticize budget shortfalls, urge action on infrastructure & services

KATHMANDU: Lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party have criticized the government for failing to allocate adequate budget for pressing public needs, saying citizens in remote and risk-prone areas continue to face hardship due to neglected development priorities.

Speaking at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Indira Rana Magar urged the government to ensure budget provisions for essential infrastructure in rural and mountainous regions. She specifically highlighted the Ilam–Batashe road section connecting to the Madan Bhandari Highway, saying the project would directly benefit around 500 households but was excluded from the national budget.

She also expressed concern that citizens in districts such as Jajarkot, Jumla, and Humla continue to struggle due to a lack of basic infrastructure, calling for urgent budget revision to address such gaps.

Raising agricultural concerns, Shobha Khanal criticized the government for failing to ensure timely supply of chemical fertilizers during the peak paddy plantation season. She warned that shortages are affecting crop production, increasing costs, and threatening food security. Khanal demanded a transparent and reliable fertilizer distribution system, including consistent supply in districts like Gorkha and beyond.

Meanwhile, Bishwaraj Pokharel drew attention to the lack of adequate healthcare services at Okhaldhunga District Hospital, saying patients are dying due to insufficient treatment facilities. He called for immediate improvements in district-level health services.

Pokharel also highlighted the growing problem of monkey infestations in rural areas, which he said are severely damaging crops and pushing farming communities into crisis. He urged the government to introduce targeted control measures to address what he described as a potential threat to rural livelihoods.

The lawmakers collectively urged the government to strengthen implementation of citizens’ fundamental rights and ensure equitable access to essential services across the country.