KATHMANDU: Speaker Devaraj Ghimire held discussions with key party leaders regarding the formation of an investigation committee over alleged violations of the cooling-off period provisions in the Federal Civil Service Bill.

The talks took place Thursday afternoon at the Speaker’s office in Singha Durbar, with UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire, and Maoist Centre Chief Whip Hitaraj Pandey. Deputy Speaker Indira Rana also participated.

Following Rule 180 of the House of Representatives Rules, 2022, the Speaker proposed forming a committee and sought proposals from parties on the committee’s mandate, tenure, and membership.

The major parties suggested that a parliamentary inquiry committee should be formed and noted that since the issue concerns a legislative provision, there is no need to seek the government’s stance. The leaders agreed to consult their respective parties and update the Speaker accordingly.

Ahead of the House session scheduled for July 7, the parties have reached a consensus to propose the committee formation in the House after consultations with the Procedure Advisory Committee.

Though State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada orally briefed on the committee’s decisions on Wednesday, the Federal Parliament Secretariat said no formal information has yet been received.