KATHMANDU, Jan 23: House of Representatives Speaker Devraj Ghimire has expressed concerns regarding the independent coordination and meetings between the thematic committees and MPs of the House of Representatives with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Speaking at a meeting with the chairpersons of various committees on Sunday, Speaker Ghimire emphasized the need to coordinate such activities through the parliamentary secretariat and adhere to a one-door policy. He expressed displeasure towards the news that some committees had organized foreign tours and residential programs in collaboration with NGOs without proper notification to the Parliament Secretariat and the Speaker's office.
Ram Hari Khatiwada, chairman of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, relayed the speaker's concerns saying, “I heard about NGOs becoming involved with the parliamentary committees. It's inappropriate for parliamentarians to directly engage with NGOs in this manner. The speaker insists on utilizing a one-door system."
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Speaker Ghimire also highlighted the need for transparency regarding the support provided by organizations to the committees, insisting that it should be routed through the parliament secretariat. “Even if parliamentarians require assistance, they must inform the secretariat," Ghimire mentioned.
He further expressed that organizations often support committees based on their own interests. “Various associations approach with offers of support, but there are various motives behind these offers. We need to systematize this process," said Ghimire.
During the meeting, the lower house speaker also revealed that he had received information about some organizations proposing different agendas to different committees. “An organization may present one type of proposal to one committee and a different one to another. Any such proposals should first be agreed upon by the secretariat. The parliament should dictate the kind of support it needs," Ghimire advised.
Additionally, the speaker addressed the issue of foreign visits by MPs. This topic came up particularly in relation to the planned visit of the Agriculture Committee, led by Dr Arzu Rana, to India. “Parliamentarians are undertaking foreign visits without the secretariat’s knowledge. We should formalize this process," Ghimire stated.
A senior official from the Parliament Secretariat noted that MPs rarely seek coordination for foreign visits, except for passport-related purposes. “Often, they only inform the relevant authorities post-visit. Some even mention foreign trips only after their return," the official said.
Concerns about this practice were previously raised in March last year when 12 MPs from various political parties visited India without informing the Parliament Secretariat. Despite the ensuing questions, the practice of notifying about such visits has yet to be established.
