I will be accountable to the people, says Speaker Ghimire in his maiden speech to HoR

Published On: January 22, 2023 08:45 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 22: The newly-elected House of Representatives (HoR) Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said that the lower house of parliament would encourage healthy and policy debates in a properly managed way.

In his first address to the HoR and welcome speech to the Members of Parliament (MPs) after his election to the post of speaker, Ghimire said a philosophical, policy and program-oriented competition among the political parties in the HoR is this institution’s fundamental character. “Parliament is also a platform for competition. Policy-level discussions and a healthy competition give life to the parliamentary system,” the speaker said. The ruling parties reach out to the people through their policies, programs and plans in a parliamentary system while the opposition parties keep a watch on the ruling parties and support or protest against them based on their merits and demerits, according to Speaker Ghimire.

Speaker Ghimire said the Constitution of Nepal, existing laws and House of Representatives (HoR) regulations will be the main basis for running the HoR.

"A sense of responsibility and accountability once and always to the people will guide me while I perform my duty," he added. Speaker Ghimire further said that he would always be alert and active to enhance the dignity and reputation of the post of the speaker as it is his constitutional responsibility.

Stating that consensus and cooperation among the political parties as per the constitution and laws were the strong basis for the session operation, he urged the political parties to continuously help with the smooth functioning of the house sessions.

"I want to offer my strong belief that the HoR will be continuously active in making Nepali people's relentless aspirations for development and prosperity a success."

He also pledged to follow the best practices in the history of parliament in the capacity of the speaker. Offering his utter respect to all people who sacrificed their lives during various movements for democracy, societal changes, the rule of law and prosperity of the country, he expressed his commitment to follow in their footsteps.

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