KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have raised serious concerns in parliament regarding the mismanagement of public transport and the growing frustration among the youth.
During Tuesday’s session of the House of Representatives, members of parliament highlighted the chaos within the transport sector and the current regulatory system.
Referencing the self-immolation incident involving driver Arjun Dong Tamang in Tripureshwor, lawmakers described the event as a reflection of state failure.
Yubraj Dulal, chief whip of the Nepal Communist Party, demanded the formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate the incident.
MPs Kranthi Shikha Dhital and Ashika Tamang expressed concern over the perceived heavy-handedness of traffic police, calling for more respectful interactions between officers and drivers. Tamang also criticized the cumbersome penalty system under Section 171 of the Transport Management Act, stating it unfairly burdens workers.
MPs Rachana Khatri Khatiwada and Aaren Rai characterized the rising youth frustration as a serious psychosocial issue. Khatiwada urged the government to ensure public safety, while Rai accused the administration of failing to identify the root causes of this despair.
Meanwhile, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Yagnamani Neupane called for judicial restructuring, claiming that the judiciary is increasingly interfering with government operations.
Congress MP Sita Thapalia warned the government against using cyber laws to stifle free speech and questioned the delay in repairing the bridge over the Trishuli River connecting Dhading and Gorkha.
RSP whip Prakash Chandra Pariyar presented a three-point demand to streamline travel ahead of the Dashain festival, focusing on road repairs, fare regulation, and transparent ticket booking.
Additionally, MP Tika Sangraula questioned the government regarding the status of the Budhiganga Hydropower Project, which has remained on paper for 29 years.
Lawmakers emphasized that the government must move beyond being a silent spectator and present concrete action plans regarding road safety, justice, and employment.
