Govt’s priority is strong governing system: PM Oli

Kathmandu / Apr 11: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that his government is focused on strong governance.

Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FNCCI, on Thursday, PM Oli asserted that his government is working on for the strong governing system, refuting the rumor that he is more focused on adding power to the post.

Referring to the criticism for bringing several offices including the Money Laundering Investigation Department, Inland Revenue Department and National Investigation Department under the PMO, PM Oli said, “I will not remain in the post forever. I am just trying to bring the system in the right track for the stability in the country. A system is made according to the country. For the government, the country is always on top priority, followed by the system and then only individual.”

Recently, the government has drafted a bill that allows the prime minister to mobilize Nepal Army independently. The Bill on Work, Responsibility and Rights of the National Security Council, awaiting approval of the federal parliament, proposes added powers to the prime minister to deploy army through cabinet decision in the case of a national emergency.

Once endorsed, the proposed bill will give sweeping powers to the prime minister wherein he could exercise discretionary powers for army mobilization for several months. Likewise, since coming to power, PM Oli has already brought several offices including the Money Laundering Investigation Department, Inland Revenue Department and National Investigation Department under the PMO.

The main opposition Nepali Congress and other parties have criticized the government and in particular, PM Oli, saying that the provision would infringe the constitution and give rise to dictatorship.