KATHMANDU: National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal has appealed the NA members to play role being more systematic, dignified and responsible as additional responsibility of federal parliament is upon the shoulder of the NA in the present situation of dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Addressing the 19th session of the NA today, Chair Dahal argued that the parliament is the place to raise voice of citizens, protecting democratic norms and values and giving an outlet to nation from crisis.

“The situation surfaced from the anti-corruption movement launched by Gen Zs should be settled keeping the nation, national unity, constitutional and democratic norms in mind. Development with social justice and inclusive democracy as well as corruption control and good governance are also the demands of youths. I appeal to all sides to utilize the federal parliament as it is the centre point to fulfill these goals,” he mentioned.

Chair Dahal recalled the political scenario developed in the country, political turmoil created by this, and the destruction of public and private property.

Sharing that the anti-corruption movement launched by Gen Zs has made deep impact in politics, he emphasized on the need of settling the situation keeping the constitutional and democratic norms as well as national unity in center.

The 19th NA session is taking place in old building of Singha Durbar after the federal parliament building located at New Baneshwor was completely destroyed in arson during Gen Z movement that occurred on September 8 and 9, 2025.

The 18th session of the NA ended without completing the works in a procedural manner due to the Gen Z movement. So the details of proceedings of the 18th session could not be presented before the session.

Recalling that the interim government formed with the responsibility of holding new elections after the dissolution of the House of Representatives had set the election date for the House of Representatives members on March 5, the upper house Chairman said that the country is now at the final stage of the elections.

“The government and political parties are preparing for the elections, and the Election Commission has expedited the election process by preparing a schedule,” he said.

Chairman Dahal informed the NA session that 18 new members will be elected on January 25, in the context of the term of one-third of the National Assembly members about to end. He added that he feels the new responsibilities with new challenges have come onto his shoulders before the current session.

He clarified that until the House of Representatives election is held and the new parliament begins functioning, the National Assembly must play a leading role in fulfilling the responsibilities of the federal parliament.

Dahal said that out of the 68 bills introduced in the Upper House so far, 39 bills have been certified, 12 bills have been withdrawn by the government, and a total of 12 bills have become inactive, including seven bills that were passed by the National Assembly and are under consideration in the House of Representatives due to its dissolution.

He said that out of the five bills currently under consideration in the NA, one bill is at the stage of theoretical discussion, one bill has been passed by the Legislative Management Committee, and its report has been presented, and three bills are at the final stage of clause-by-clause discussion.

The Upper House Chair stated that the practice of enhancing a culture of consensus in the National Assembly and reaching conclusions through formal and informal discussions on controversial issues has helped establish the Assembly as a responsible and mature institution.

Dahal expressed gratitude, recalling the contributions of the Vice-Chair, all members, committees, the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the Government of Nepal, the media, and civil society to make the proceedings of the National Assembly well-organized and effective.

He expressed the confidence that everyone would cooperate to conduct the 19th session in a functional, productive way and in accordance with the sentiments and expectations of the people, despite the technical difficulties that might arise while holding the Assembly session in a new political environment and a new building.

“I sincerely appeal to all honourable members for the dignified role to be carried out in the National Assembly for the overall development of the country, good governance, and the strengthening of the federal democratic republic,” Chairperson Dahal said.