Kathmandu, Jan 31: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli asserted that the key issues for constitution amendment will be identified after holding intensive discussions with various parties.
Addressing the first meeting of the fifth session of House of Representatives here today, PM Oli said that they would first review a wide range of issues before considering amendment in the national statute and formulating laws accordingly.
The wide range of issues as mentioned by the Head of the Government were examining and assessing the strength and weakness emerging since the implementation of constitution and complexities during its practice and then prioritizing amendment of constitution and formulation of consistent legislation.
He mentioned about formation of an internal study taskforce comprising the coalition partners Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) to identify core issues to consider during constitution amendment process.
“Along with it, intensive discussions would be held with pro-government parties,” the PM reiterated, adding that discussions would be held on those identified issues with those parties representing in and outside the parliament as well as stakeholders.
“All parties have their own views and stance on the issues. Nevertheless, we will forge a common viewpoint on those issues agreed upon and further discussions would be held on those issues that are not agreed upon,” the septuagenarian leader said.
He observed that it was the function of government to introduce constitution amendment bill.
On a different note, PM Oli updated the House that 29 Acts were amended by introducing ordinances aimed at promoting good-governance, improving general administration and boosting investment.
Among the 29 ordinances, 11 were related to economic reform and increasing investment, 12 related to promoting good-governance and enhancing public service delivery, 3 related to land and forest.
He added that the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, Privatization Act and Cooperatives Act were amended through ordinances.
Simplifying the process for investors considering investment in Nepal and easing off the company registration process for Nepalis willing to open subsidiaries or branch offices abroad are the notable reforms made in the Acts through ordinances, PM Oli said.
To promote industry, the government has put in place a legal provision requiring the decision-making authorities to act within a maximum of seven days except for the period specified in the law since the submission of application for industry registration, Oli said.
He also mentioned about creating an enabling environment for the IT-based Nepali companies to compete in the international market. He appraised about revoking the irrelevant laws related to consumer rights protection and consumer rights were further protected.
The amendment has also put an end to the situation of entrepreneurs unnecessarily putting up with intimidation from the authority, assured the PM, as he shared that price of the goods will be determined through competition now onwards.
Furthermore, the process of closing the bankrupt or sick industries has been simplified, making it easier for the entrepreneurs to do so without having to experience any hassles, he added.
He also informed the house about amendment in the existing Cooperatives Act to establish the National Cooperative Regulatory Authority to protect the depositors’ money in cooperatives.
