KATHMANDU: Members of the House of Representatives have called on the government to address a range of pressing issues, including expediting tunnel construction, ensuring adequate drinking water, irrigation, and fertilizer supply, and eliminating the harmful practice of Chhaupadi—a tradition that forces women and girls to stay in isolated huts or sheds during menstruation.

During today’s zero-hour session of the House, lawmakers demanded the development of a system to ensure that infrastructure projects are completed within the fiscal year.

They also stressed the need to make the national health insurance program more accessible and effective, and to take concrete steps to demolish Chhaugoths (menstrual huts) across the country in a bid to eradicate Chhaupadi.

MP Dilendra Prasad Badu pointed out that contract tenders often do not begin in time or finish only at the end of the fiscal year. He urged the government, through the Speaker, to make project chiefs and officials accountable and ensure that contracts start promptly in the new fiscal year to facilitate timely work.

MP Thakur Gaire highlighted the continuing risks around the construction of the Siddhababa Tunnel in Palpa, noting that the physical progress of the project is currently at 57.51% and financial progress at 51.1%. He called for timely completion to mitigate security risks.

MP Durga Rai noted that while the parliamentary regulations call for the formation of a Women’s Coordination Committee, the committee has yet to be established. She urged the Speaker to ensure immediate implementation of the rules.

MP Devendra Paudel said that landslides have blocked the Mid-Hill Highway and urged speedy work in areas like Akhsetel in Baglung. He also demanded swift progress on the Uttarganga Reservoir Hydropower Project.

MP Dhan Bahadur Budha called for expediting the contract process for the Jagdulla Hydropower Project in Dolpa.
MP Narayani Sharma criticized the recent decision by the Health Insurance Board to delist the Rapti Institute of Health Sciences in Dang, forcing patients to travel long distances. She demanded the decision be reversed and easier access to insurance benefits ensured.

MP Pushpa Bahadur Shah highlighted recent flood damage in Rasuwa and the growing severity of Chhaupadi in the far-west, urging the government to address both issues.

MP Purna Bahadur Gharti demanded the government clarify controversies surrounding the transfer of Kaski’s Land Revenue Office head, the appointment of the Land Commission Chair, and the “Visit Visa” episode.

MP Prakash Jwala said the government has failed to deliver good governance or control corruption in its first year and noted that basic consumer goods and employment remain difficult to access.

MP Pratiksha Tiwari said requiring senior and disabled citizens to appear in person to renew social security allowances is problematic, and she called on the Home Ministry to simplify the process.

MP Prabhu Hazara also raised concerns over drinking water, irrigation, and fertilizer distribution.

MP Prem Bahadur Maharjan stressed that the practice of lawmakers speaking at length only to make baseless accusations on their way out must end.

MP Basudev Ghimire demanded that the government ensure high-quality and timely completion of development projects in the upcoming fiscal year.

MP Bimala Subedi expressed shame over a recent Chhaugoth-related incident in Kanchanpur and called for the demolition of such structures in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces and across the country.