Nepal Parliament debates new bills amid repatriation disputes

Nepal's federal parliament is addressing several legislative and administrative issues. In the House of Representatives, the Finance Minister is proposing the Employees Provident Fund (Tenth Amendment) Bill, while the Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment is tabling a bill regarding child labour prohibition and regulation. Additionally, a proposal for a long-term power trade agreement between Nepal and India is expected to be presented.

Parliamentary proceedings have also been marked by tension regarding the repatriation of Nepali citizens who die abroad. Lawmaker Ashika Tamang of the Rastriya Swatantra Party walked out of a meeting after clashing with Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal. Tamang had been protesting the government's delay in repatriating the body of Santosh Rai from Cambodia, criticizing the Foreign Ministry for failing to implement allocated funds due to procedural delays.

In a move to increase government accountability, Speaker Aryal has issued rulings directing Prime Minister Balendra Shah to appear in Parliament to answer questions. The Speaker also instructed ministers to respond within three days regarding queries on the Jajarkot earthquake-affected areas and the repatriation of remains from abroad.