Only 3 percent budget spending in 6 months; complaints galore on SA’s oversight functions

Speakers at a programme cautioned the State Assembly’s weak role in creating necessary pressure on Karnali State Government regarding development and livelihood.

At an open interaction organized to mark the completion of two years of the establishment of state assembly, the speakers said state government’s failure to perform to live up people’s aspiration has made the general public frustrated.

The state assembly secretariat organized an interaction ‘federalism and state assembly’ on Monday to mark the second year of the establishment of state assembly. Most of the speakers had pointed out the state assembly’s weak oversight on the performance of state government.

Anju BK of Birendranagar said the state government is not solely responsible behind only 3 percent budget spending in the six months of current fiscal year. "If the government cannot perform well the state assembly’s oversight role also comes under question. Necessary pressure could be mounted on the government through state assembly meeting". BK said.

"Federalism would fail if the doorstep government did not win public trust and goodwill. We all need to be cautious to that end", she added.

Advocate Seema Dhami recommended the state assembly to show concern on the matters of justice and governance. She further underscored the need that the state assembly and its thematic committees should caution the state government by issuing necessary directives.

Entrepreneur Purna Adhikari said, "Though the Karnali government has come up with significant programmes, lack of transparency has dragged them into dispute. In such context, the state assembly should keep vigil on the performance of government".

Student Binita Bogati underlined the urgency of elevating level of public awareness rather than demolishing sheds for putting chaaupadi to an end.

Muslim community leader Sameena Banu urged the government to appropriate budget for Madarasa at par with other schools.

Responding to the queries and concerns on the occasion, Karnali state assembly Speaker Raj Bahadur Shahi said this event has provided him chance to know people’s expectation from the state assembly.

He pledged to address public expectation and grievances within the ambit of the constitution. He also recalled the vigilance of satte assembly on the government’s performance.