Independent MP Mahavir Pun Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Only Five Minutes to Speak in Parliament

Independent MP Mahavir Pun has expressed dissatisfaction after being allotted only five minutes to speak in the parliament. Despite his efforts as a former minister to introduce three ordinances, the current government has yet to implement them. Pun has also called for the removal of the provision that appoints the Prime Minister as the university chancellor and advocated for the establishment of a separate Ministry of Science and Technology. Kathmandu, 29 Baisakh – Today, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal granted MP Pun just five minutes to address the house, prompting his dissatisfaction. From the rostrum, Pun stated, “I should not be demeaned as a solitary honorable member. While others are given 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes, I am not even being afforded five minutes.” He claimed to have more support across the country than many party MPs and reminded the Speaker of this fact. “My support is extensive throughout Nepal. I am not alone. I am recognized by all Nepalis. Five minutes is unacceptable,” he emphasized. Pun further revealed that the three ordinances he sought to introduce during his tenure as minister have not been adopted by the current government. “I attempted to bring in three ordinances, but that did not materialize,” he said. “The government introduced eight ordinances, but those I attempted are not among them.” He also disclosed that the ordinance he proposed to abolish the provision making the Prime Minister the university chancellor was not included in the present legislation. “It was promised that universities would be free from political influence, yet the current system still designates the Prime Minister as chancellor,” he remarked. Additionally, Pun urged the government to form a separate Ministry of Science and Technology to foster development in the field.