KATHMANDU: During the special hour of Thursday’s House of Representatives meeting, several lawmakers raised pressing concerns regarding budget misallocation, infrastructure gaps, and public service delivery in rural and marginalized areas.

MP Dr. Chandra Bhandari questioned why only half the amount of funds allocated in the central budget actually reach the grassroots.

“When Rs 100 is sent from the capital, only Rs 50 reaches the villages,” he said, calling for a parliamentary investigation and intervention to halt this leak. Highlighting the potential of apple farming in Dhaulagiri, he also urged the Speaker to issue a ruling for conducting proper land surveys in the region.

MP Lila Nath Shrestha focused on the Terai-Madhes region, pointing out the severe drinking water shortage. He demanded immediate government action to ensure water supply. He also emphasized the need for timely vaccination of livestock affected by lumpy skin disease, which has caused significant damage in the area.

Similarly, MP Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar criticized the lack of clarity surrounding the government’s promised constitutional amendment. “It has been a year since the government was formed with a seven-point amendment agenda, but there’s still no transparency about which articles will actually be amended,” he said.

MP Rajendra Prasad Pandey drew attention to a major aviation safety lapse, stating that Saurya Airlines, despite operating for 21 years, flew a plane without authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority last year, leading to an accident. He demanded punishment for those responsible and compensation for the victims.

MP Ranju Kumari Jha also urged the government to address the acute drinking water crisis in the Madhes Province.
Lawmakers stressed the need for effective governance, transparency in fund disbursement, and urgent service delivery in underserved areas.