‘Our heads bow down in shame if someone known by the public as corrupt is rewarded’

KATHMANDU, Sept 28: Madhav Nepal, senior leader of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and former prime minister, expressed serious dissatisfaction in parliament Thursday with the government’s performance. 

Drawing the attention of the government to the failure of state agencies to control the increasing incidence of murder, rape, acid attack and violence against women and the failure to curb corruption and provide good governance, Nepal said people want to see results. 

“People want to see the results whether it is curbing corruption or fighting crime. The government should listen to the public and make them feel it is doing something. Trace out the mistakes and find the solutions,” said the former prime minister. 

Nepal was of the view that people just wanted good governance, development, speedy delivery of services and an end to sub-standard work. Stating that even ruling party lawmakers have felt public outrage in the streets, Nepal suggested the government listen in earnest. “Our heads bow down in shame if a person known to the public as corrupt is rewarded,” he said indicating the appointment of Digambar Jha to head Nepal Telecommunications Authority. 

Stating that he has repeatedly drawn attention to the poor condition of the road between Chabahil and Sankhu, Nepal claimed that none of the government authorities had monitored the situation. “Contractors don’t face any government action or penalty nor do they get blacklisted. Instead, they are rewarded,” said Nepal, hinting at a recent decision to award the construction of the central bank building to controversial contractor Pappu Construction. 

Stating that people had pinned great hope on the present government, Nepal suggested it live up to those expectations. “If you do good work you will get all our support. If you fail to do so, we can’t help you,” he said. 

Nepal was of the view that Nijgadh airport must be built and the construction not delayed under any pretext. “The government should focus on completing Nijgadh airport and the fast-track road, overcoming all obstructions. Conspiracies are afoot to foil all development work. We risk falling victim to this. I urge the concerned minister not to backtrack from decisions taken,” he said. 

Nepal, however, suggested not to fell any more trees than actually needed for the construction of the airport. 

Indicating the secessionist movement led by CK Raut, Nepal flayed the home minister for not taking any action against such elements at a time when the territorial integrity of the country is being openly challenged.

“I saw a video. In it our national integrity has been challenged. I don’t know whether our home minister knows this or not. I don’t know where he is. I don’t even know if there is a home administration,” he said. 

The authorities concerned should be held accountable for their failure to curb such activities, he said. 

Opposes women recruitment in UK army

Former prime minister Nepal also expressed serious objections to the decision of the British Army to recruit Nepali women from 2020. 

“I have heard that Nepali women are being recruited in the British military. If the decision has already been revoked, it is good. If not, there will be nothing more humiliating for us than this,” he said. 

“We can’t trust that the dignity of our women will be safeguarded. Even the Gulf countries may start recruiting our womenfolk.” 

Senior leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar accused the government leadership of weakening federalism. “Imbalance between the center and the provinces is surfacing even as the communist party that commands a two-thirds majority at the center has formed governments in six of the seven provinces,” the former deputy prime minister said. “Government leadership itself is working to foil federalism.” 

Gachchhadar also flayed the government for failing to maintain peace in the country. He criticized it for not forwarding the Medical Education Bill for endorsement by the House, flouting the agreement reached with Dr Govinda KC. 

Presidium member of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal Rajendra Mahato warned that the present constitution would meet the same fate as past constitutions if it is not amended. 

Ram Sahaya Yadav of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal also urged the government to amend the constitution in line with agreements reached with his party.

 
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