KATHMANDU, March 12: Members of Parliament have suggested making the required preparation at places and institutions where many people assemble as a precaution against the possible infection of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The lawmakers said this while speaking during the 'zero hour' in the House of Representatives' meeting today. They demanded that the educational institutions should be closed immediately.

Lawmaker Bhimsen Das Pradhan and Renu Kumari Yadav called for taking immediate precautionary measures against COVID-19 at places where large number of people gathered and for closing the educational institutions at the earliest. Ram Bahadur Bista called attention of the government towards curbing the artificial shortage of essential goods in the market created in the pretext of the coronavirus by some unscrupulous traders. He also called on the government to inform the House regarding what has been done to curtail such unethical practices.

Bimala Nepali protested saying the scholarship funds meant for the students from the dalit community have been usurped from the time of the formation of this government. She called for ensuring the scholarships. Bharat Kumar Shah said although the 'syndication' in the transportation sector is said to have been removed, still trucks coming from India have been charged road toll. Maheshwor Jung Gahatraj expressed concern over growing incidents of road accidents in the country of late and called for intensifying awareness programmes.

Meena Subba demanded action against the police officer responsible for beating with a stick a woman holding her infant child in course of a protest by a group of women a fortnight back and information regarding the investigation in this connection. Meen Bahadur Bishwokarma called for formation of the Dalit Commission and the Women Commission at the earliest. Yagya Bahadur Bogati drew the attention of the government on the urgent need of upgrading the Karnali highway, saying the bad shape of the highway has highly increased the risk of accidents.

Yagya Raj Sunuwar also drew the attention of the government, through the Speaker, to improve the condition of roads in the hilly districts. Rangamati Shahi called for supplying food grain to Humla district at the earliest to address the problem of food shortage in the district due to the recent snowfall. Rajendra Kumar KC wanted to know from the government why the price of petroleum products was not adjusted in Nepal in keeping with the decrease in the price of petroleum products in the international market. Rajendra Prasad Gautam said the people in Sankhuwasabha district were happy with the initiation of land survey there.

Ram Bbau Kumar Yadav drew attention of the parliament over the delay in passing the Federal Civil Service Bill and the Citizenship Bill. Renuka Gurung wondered about the progress in the investigation into the corruption scam involving the former Chief of Army Staff.

Laxman Lal Karna wanted to know from the government as to why the customs offices that were removed from the Tarai districts during the decade-long People's War have not been restored even till the present. Laxmi Pariyar censured the parliament for the delay in holding the election for the post of the deputy speaker.

 
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