Kathmandu: Lawmakers have called for a response from the government regarding concerns that a draft bill may be in the works to legalize polygamy. This demand arose during an emergency session of the House of Representatives, where members referenced media reports suggesting that the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs was preparing such a draft.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Sunita Baral emphasized that polygamy is illegal and any steps towards legalizing it would be unacceptable. She insisted that the government must provide a clear response to parliament on this matter. Baral stressed the importance of addressing violence against women and urged that any law related to such a sensitive issue be developed with seriousness and responsibility.
Rupa Soshi (Chaudhary) echoed these concerns, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the gravity of recognizing polygamy through legal amendments. Rama Koirala Paudyal called for the Ministry to publicly clarify its stance, considering the sensitivity of the issue.
In addition to the polygamy debate, other lawmakers brought attention to the plight of farmers in the Tarai-Madhes region. Despite being declared a disaster-hit zone, farmers have not received necessary relief, facing issues such as inadequate electricity infrastructure and a shortage of chemical fertilizers. Lawmakers also emphasized the need for Chure conservation and effective irrigation projects as long-term solutions to water shortages in the area.
Concerns extended to healthcare and road safety, with Jwala Kumari Sah addressing the inadequate services at Bir Hospital, and Gyanu Basnet raising alarms over increasing road accidents.
Meanwhile, members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party continued their protest, demanding a high-level probe into a visit visa scam. Asim Shah from RSP and Dhurba Bahadur Pradhan from RPP criticized ongoing governmental corruption and financial irregularities. However, Shyam Kumar Ghimire of the Nepali Congress argued against the protests, stating that the formation of a probe committee by the government renders the protests unnecessary and contradictory to maintaining parliamentary discipline.