Tikapur: The 11th Conference of the Inter-Legislative Forum (ILF) concluded in Tikapur, issuing a nine-point Tikapur Declaration that emphasized the development of a digital parliament system in both the federal parliament and all provincial assemblies.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the document advocates for civic participation in parliamentary affairs through information technology and the establishment of a ‘Digital Parliament’ system to enhance coordination and connectivity among legislatures. The two-day event focused on the effective implementation of cooperation, collaboration, and co-existence in lawmaking and administrative functions across federal, provincial, and local levels, aligning with the spirit of the federal democratic republic as envisioned by the Constitution.
The declaration aims to establish effective parliamentary collaboration and inter-connectivity to ensure prompt and transparent legislative functions, including law enactment at federal, provincial, and local levels. It proposes the establishment of federal-province coordination units in all provincial assemblies, with the Secretariat of the Inter-Legislature Forum being managed by the Province Assembly Liaison and Coordination Division under the Federal Parliament Secretariat.
Additionally, the declaration highlights the need for a legislative academy to promote research-based lawmaking and legislative affairs. It also aims to implement programs to enhance the competency of people’s representatives and employees at federal, provincial, and local government levels. Efforts to establish a Parliamentary Budget Office within the current fiscal year are also outlined, aimed at improving the efficiency of government policies and programs, pre-budget discussions, and parliamentary budget formulation procedures.
The declaration calls for interactions, discussions, and review programs among officials and employees at all three government tiers to facilitate the exchange of best legislative practices and improve managerial efficiency. It also addresses issues related to employee management at the provincial level, urging the government to legislate an integrated service system for employees at the Federal Parliament and Province Assemblies in accordance with Article 231 (3) of the Constitution.
Concerns were raised about enhancing the effectiveness and results-oriented roles of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Vice-Chair of the National Assembly, and Deputy Speakers of the Province Assemblies. A committee, coordinated by National Assembly Secretary Tul Bahadur Kunwar along with Koshi Province Assembly Secretary Sudarshan Khadka and Lumbini Province Assembly Secretary Durlav Kumar Pun Magar, will be formed to study Nepal’s Constitution and existing laws, with a report due within three months.
The forum’s 12th convention is scheduled to be held in Karnali Province.