POKHARA: Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey is set to face questions from lawmakers during a direct question-and-answer session at the Province Assembly.
The Assembly, which has been adjourned since July 31, is scheduled to convene on August 26 at 1 pm.
Assembly Secretary Govinda Poudel said the meeting will feature a direct Q&A with the Chief Minister, along with other parliamentary business in line with the existing rules.
The Gandaki Province Assembly previously held a direct question-and-answer session with the Chief Minister on August 20, 2023. No such session was conducted during the terms of chief ministers who preceded Pandey. This will mark the second direct Q&A session in the province since the introduction of federalism.
Pandey is expected to respond to lawmakers’ questions about the provincial government’s activities under his leadership, as well as issues affecting the people of Gandaki.
The Province Assembly Rules of Procedure require lawmakers to submit their questions to the Chief Minister in advance.
The direct Q&A provides lawmakers with an opportunity to seek answers on public concerns, government policies and its performance. It is also aimed at strengthening the relationship between the executive and legislature and enhancing government accountability.
The Gandaki Province Assembly Rules, 2080, include provisions for direct question-and-answer sessions to promote transparency and accountability. Rule 56 of Chapter 9 establishes lawmakers’ right to ask questions.
The rules stipulate that, while the Province Assembly is in session, a direct Q&A session with the Chief Minister and ministers should be included in the agenda once a month. However, such sessions have not been conducted regularly by provincial assemblies.
Lawmakers are required to submit written questions on the province’s policies, plans, good governance and development to the Province Assembly Secretariat within the prescribed deadline.
Following the Chief Minister’s response, the lawmaker who raised the question can ask supplementary questions to seek further clarification, in accordance with the rules.
