House of Representatives meeting adjourned after MPs demand Finance Minister’s presence

Kathmandu: The meeting of the House of Representatives was adjourned for 15 minutes after lawmakers drew the Speaker’s attention, demanding the presence of Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle during the session.

CPN (UML) lawmaker Rajendra Kumar Rai stated that the Finance Minister’s presence is mandatory during discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill. Following his insistence, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal informed the House that a message had been sent to the Finance Minister and requested Rai to present his views in the meantime.

However, Rai refused to proceed with his statement in the minister’s absence, prompting Speaker Aryal to adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes.

The House had been continuing discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2083/84, excluding tax proposals.

Earlier in the session, lawmaker Amaresh Kumar Singh also expressed concern over holding discussions without the Finance Minister present. He highlighted that the water level in the Chure region is declining due to inadequate protection, worsening problems in the Terai-Madhes area.

Similarly, MP Rekha Kumari Yadav drew the Speaker’s attention to the minister’s absence and stressed the need to prioritize high-return projects. She also called for clarity regarding foreign aid and loans, as well as transparency on which sectors would receive such assistance.