The discussion program on the role of parliamentarians and sharing experience among the current and former parliamentarians has been completed on 28 April at Lumbini province. The former MPs concluded that their role in five-year tenure was partially successful due to the institutionalization process of federalism and Corona pandemic.
In the program, Constituent Assembly member Mr. Binod Pahadi stated that the provincial government was unable to make a concrete decision despite abundant opportunities which could perform less on behalf of subordinates. He further emphasized prioritizing the plan and programs of the marginalized to present and contribute to tangible changes.
Former state minister Mrs. Rina Nepal (Bishwokarma) stated that proportionately represented parliamentarians encounter hurdles from directly elected parliamentarians' bureaucrats and party leaders while allocating the budget, listing the plans, and implementing them in respective venues. Another member Rama Aryal claimed that major parties are reluctant to appoint women in executive capacities but interestingly issue ceremonial positions which bear nominal influence at the decision-making level rather they are obliged to follow the norms and values of their parties. Moreover, the provincial government failed to materialize the laws which were ratified by the assembly.
Likewise, Deepa Bishwokarma, a female leader, stated that issues of women, Dalits, and the marginalized should be a common concern for all while the MPs of oppressed communities frequently chant it in assembly. At the event, Kamala Bishwokarma, president of Jagran Media Center, stated that issues of human rights, Dalit, women, and marginalized should be strongly raised in Parliament on a regular basis to formulate formal systems to uplift the status of target groups. Eventually, the event formulated a network of former and recent women MPs of Lumbini Province to serve as a coordinating mechanism for the effective role of new and old parliamentarians. The network has planned for regular meetings and conversations in the following days. The event was attended by 30 delegates.
