KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ramesh Prasai has drawn the government’s attention to the rising prices of essential goods and the poor state of public transportation. Speaking during the zero hour of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he criticized the government’s performance regarding inflation.

Prasai highlighted the sharp increase in the prices of daily necessities such as onions, sugar, rice, and oil. ‘While the country is struggling with disasters, the market has become unruly, and inflation has taken a giant leap during my own government’s tenure,’ he stated, noting that the price hike has burdened ordinary citizens.

He urged the newly appointed Minister for Industry, Deepak Kumar Sah, to take proactive measures to control black marketing. ‘I want to wish the new industry minister well. I hope his role is not just about making superficial efforts, but that he can play a new, effective role in controlling black marketing,’ he added.

Furthermore, Prasai raised concerns over the difficulties faced by commuters in the Kathmandu Valley. He pointed out that public vehicles are often overcrowded, forcing passengers to travel in inhumane conditions. He urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to address the issue. ‘In the capital’s vehicles, people are being packed beyond capacity like sheep and goats. Passengers are facing hardship in their daily lives,’ he said, questioning the government’s capacity to manage traffic in the capital.

On Tuesday, another RSP lawmaker, Badan Kumar Bhandari, had also called on the government to take immediate steps to control inflation. Prices of essential commodities have seen a significant rise in recent days.