KATHMANDU: During today’s National Assembly session, lawmakers strongly urged the government to address several pressing public grievances, ranging from delayed post-earthquake reconstruction to the mismanagement of landless settlers.

During the zero hour, lawmaker Krishna Bahadur Rokaya drew attention to the plight of victims in Jajarkot and Rukum West, pointing out that secure housing has still not been built in rural settlements hit by the November 2023 earthquake, and demanded that the reconstruction process be expedited immediately.

Adding to infrastructural concerns, lawmaker Ghanshyam Rijal highlighted that ongoing development projects are facing severe disruptions due to soaring fuel prices, urging the government to immediately adjust costs.

On the social welfare front, lawmaker Padam Bahadur Pariyar emphasized the urgent need to launch rehabilitation programs for visually impaired individuals, while lawmaker Bishnu Devi Pudasaini argued against taxing education and healthcare as it directly burdens ordinary citizens.

The parliamentary session also saw a unified push from multiple lawmakers demanding a proper, humane resolution for the landless settlers community.

Lawmakers Renu Chand and Sabitri Malla both urged the government to manage the squatter community with dignity and respect their fundamental human rights.

Meanwhile, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota criticized the government’s decision to evict squatters from temporary holding centers, calling the action inherently flawed.

Lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma demanded that the government secure proper residential arrangements for the landless community in line with their constitutional rights.

Shri Krishna Adhikari slammed the administration’s style, arguing that forcing squatters out of holding centers without providing viable alternative living arrangements is deeply problematic.