New Rule Proposed Allowing Parliamentary Committee Meetings Without Minister Present

May 18, Kathmandu – Changes are being proposed to the House of Representatives rules of procedure to allow parliamentary committee meetings to be held even in the absence of ministers. On Monday, the House of Representatives will discuss the “Report of the Draft Rules of Procedure Committee of the House of Representatives, 2083 (Nepali calendar),” presented by Committee Chair Ganesh Parajuli. Article 178 of the draft rules outlines the roles, duties, and powers of parliamentary subject committees.

According to Clause 4 of Rule 178, “Ministerial presence is mandatory during discussions on bills in committee. Ministers are required to be present for discussions on other agenda items as necessary.” Previously, ministers were required to attend all committee meetings under Rule 178 of the House of Representatives Rules of Procedure 2079. It stated, “Ministers must be present during discussions on bills and all other agenda items.” The proposed amendment adds the phrase “as necessary,” allowing for some flexibility.

This change is expected to enable committees to convene meetings even when ministers are unavailable. Leaders from the ruling party have explained that since ministers’ schedules often conflict with committee meetings, this amendment aims to resolve the problem by mandating ministerial presence only during bill discussions. They believe this will help committees operate more effectively and efficiently.