The panel discussion session on Interaction with Parliamentary Committees Members brought together distinguished Members of various committees from the Koshi Province Assembly. Hosted by journalist Mr. Sabin Ghimire, the session aimed to deepen the understanding of the functions and roles of the Assembly’s committees. The panellists included Hon. Mr. Jay Prakash Chaudhary from the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee; Hon. Shova Chemjong from the Social Development Committee; Hon. Bidur Kumar Linthep from the Finance Committee; and Hon. Geeta Timlishna from the Judicial Administration Committee. Each panelist offered unique insights and perspectives, enriching the discussion with in-depth analyses of their respective committees’ work and sharing forward-looking views on enhancing the Assembly’s effectiveness.
Hon Jay Prakash Chaudhary
Mr. Hon Jay Prakash Chaudhary reiterated the crucial role of the federal system in improving the accessibility of services for citizens. He highlighted the drawbacks of the previous centralized system, where people had to rely solely on the central government for their diverse needs, often resulting in inefficiencies. The shift to federalism, with its tripartite governance structure encompassing the central, provincial, and local levels, was specifically designed to address these challenges and bring governance closer to the grassroots level.
Emphasizing the significance of provinces within this decentralized framework, Mr. Chaudhary delved into the operational dynamics of the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee. Notably, despite its name, the committee currently lacks jurisdiction over industrial matters, sparking ongoing informal deliberations to potentially broaden its scope to include oversight of the industrial sector. Nevertheless, the committee’s core mandate remains the vigilant monitoring of tourism, forestry, and environmental issues within the province, ensuring the efficacious enforcement of related laws, and evaluating the progress of planned activities for the fiscal year.
During the training session, Mr. Hon. Jay Prakash Chaudhary, a committee member, emphasized the relevance of having provinces within the federal system. He highlighted that the previous centralized governance structure necessitated reliance on the central government for legislative, developmental, and public interest issues. The decentralization brought about by federalism aims to bring governance closer to the people, making services more accessible and efficient through three levels of government: central, provincial, and local. He underscored the importance of provinces in addressing local needs promptly.
Mr. Chaudhary also discussed the role and scope of the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee, which he is part of. He noted that, although “Industry” is in the committee’s name, it currently does not fall under its jurisdiction. The committee is considering expanding its mandate to include industry-related matters and plans to discuss this with the Speaker. The committee’s primary focus will be on tourism, forest, and environmental issues within the province. They will monitor the implementation of related laws and the progress of planned activities for the fiscal year. Regular updates are obtained from ministry officials to ensure effective oversight.
Hon Shova Chemjong
During a recent panel discussion, Honorable Mrs. Chemjong articulated the intricate and metaphorical relationship between central and provincial governments with the analogy, “As soon as it rains in the center, the provinces have to take out their umbrellas.” This statement poignantly captures the direct impact of political instability at the national level on provincial governance structures. The frequent shifts in central government policies have led to significant disruptions in provincial development projects, culminating in a series of unfinished initiatives and impeding the anticipated progress.
The Social Development Committee, which oversees critical sectors such as education, health, cooperatives, and sports, was established on October 9, 2023. Its inaugural meeting took place on November 24, 2023. Mrs. Chemjong highlighted the crucial role of subject committees, drawing a parallel to a “mini parliament” where pivotal issues are deliberated. These committees play a vital role in informed policymaking by inviting experts to offer insights and recommendations.
The committee’s responsibilities include conducting studies and overseeing the execution of schools, cooperatives, and hospitals under the provincial government’s jurisdiction. Its primary mandate is to monitor the implementation of government plans and evaluate their efficacy in fulfilling the needs of the public. However, the committee’s operations are currently constrained by the lack of dedicated office space and budget, which limits its autonomous functioning.
Mrs. Chemjong emphasized the necessity for the committee to attain financial, administrative, and political autonomy to effectively supervise government activities. The panel discussion underscored the profound influence of political stability on provincial development and the indispensable function of subject committees in scrutinizing and directing government actions. Addressing the operational impediments faced by these committees is imperative for achieving effective governance and aligning with the public’s expectations.
Hon Bidur Kumar Linthep
Honorable Bidur Kumar Linthep elaborated on the intricate process of committee formation within the legislative framework. Once elected, officials are tasked with establishing various committees, including the pivotal Finance Committee. This committee’s role is instrumental in shaping fiscal policy and providing economic guidance to the provincial government. It scrutinizes financial activities for any irregularities and ensures that the province’s economic strategies align with broader financial regulations. The Finance Committee also plays a crucial role in delineating revenue boundaries and advising on appropriate revenue rates during the budgetary process. In Koshi Province, regular committee meetings are convened to deliberate on these financial matters, ensuring that the government’s fiscal policies adhere to the committee’s recommendations and maintain fiscal discipline.
Hon Geeta Timlishna
Mrs. Hon. Geeta Timlishna, a member of the Judicial Administration Committee, highlighted the critical role her committee plays in drafting and advancing laws within the province. She explained that the committee’s primary focus is on the judicial and legislative aspects of law-making, particularly concerning the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General.
Mrs. Timlishna also detailed the meticulous process of drafting laws, which includes multiple phases of discussion and interaction with stakeholders, including experts, to ensure fairness and comprehensiveness. She emphasized that despite thorough efforts, some aspects may be overlooked, but there is a continuous process of revision to improve the legislation. The essence of federalism, she noted, is to bring government services closer to the people, ensuring that laws are accessible and convenient, embodying the idea of bringing the powers of Singha Durbar to every household.
Gala Dinner and Networking session with Koshi province Assembly Members
The Interaction Session Program with Koshi Province Assembly Members, followed by a dinner program, commenced with an esteemed gathering of distinguished guests from various political parties who serve as Province Assembly Members. The event was organized to provide insights into the Assembly members’ experiences and to help YPE fellows establish connections with these esteemed Members of Parliament.
Mr. Suman Rai, representing Bikalpa – an Alternative, moderated the program, warmly welcoming all guests and attendees. He highlighted the significance of such interactions in bridging the gap between legislators and the promising YPE fellows, and shared an overview of the journey ahead. Supported by Mr. Basanta Adhikari, Executive Director of Bikalpa – an Alternatives, the program overview shed light on the core objectives and principles guiding the fellowship program.
Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly shared their perspectives and expressed their appreciation for the fellowship. Distinguished representatives from various political parties, including Honorable Meena Shrestha (CPN UML), Honorable Sunita Gachhadar (Nepali Congress), Honorable Geeta Timlishna (Maoist Centre), Honorable Shila Dixit Karki (CPN UML), Honorable Sapana Pariyar (Nepal Communist Party – Maoist Centre), Honorable Bidur Kumar Lingthep (CPN UML), Honorable Ram Prasad Metha (CPN UML), Honorable Kamala Darnal (CPN UML), and Honorable Bidhya Chamling Rai (Unified Socialist), expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate with the YPE Koshi fellows and emphasized the positive impact such partnerships can have on the legislative process.
The YPE Koshi fellows introduced themselves to the Members of the Provincial Assembly, highlighting their respective skill sets and outlining how they can contribute as valuable assets throughout the placement period. The session concluded with a dinner, fostering further interaction and networking.
