Opposition Leader Angdembe Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Insufficient Debate Time on Government's Policy and Program

Kathmandu. Chief Opposition Party Nepali Congress's Parliamentary Party Leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe has expressed dissatisfaction over the insufficient time for debate in the Federal Parliament on the government's annual policy and program. He argued that the government has limited the discussion on this important document, which sets the country's roadmap for the upcoming year, to a short period. Leader Angdembe stated that it is unfortunate that such a debate, which traditionally lasted at least three days, has been confined to only 6 hours this time. He emphasized that the policy and program are not a matter of jest but are linked to the country's future, and therefore, honorable members of parliament should be given the opportunity to express their views in detail. Angdembe accused the government of emphasizing 'digitalization' and technology in the policy and program but failing to focus on bringing technology within the reach of poor farmers and laborers in the villages. He pointed out that for the effectiveness of the 'Nagrik App' introduced by the government on Saturday, access to quality mobile phones and technology for the general public is essential. He remarked that the lack of a clear framework regarding access to basic technology like 'mobile phones' in the policy and program indicates that the government's thinking has not yet reached the grassroots citizens. Commenting that it is unfortunate that a government with a two-thirds majority has failed to systematize the policy and program and make it accessible to the poor, he urged the government to correct such errors through the upcoming budget. He said, 'We have just come from a wide-ranging debate in the Federal Parliament on the policy and program. I have deliberately used the word 'wide-ranging'. However, our tradition is to debate the policy and program for some time. The policy and program are not a matter of jest. It provides a framework for the country for a year. MPs need time to debate.' Clarifying the role of the opposition, Leader Angdembe made it clear that the Nepali Congress is not in favor of opposing for the sake of opposition. He stressed the need for a change in working style and priorities, even if he did not doubt the state's intentions.