Kathmandu, January 31
15:30 Update
Kathmandu, January 31
The National Assembly has endorsed the controversial National Medical Education Bill amid protests by the opposition. The bill will now become law after it is certified by the President.
Two amendment proposals were registered in the National Assembly ahead of its meeting on Thursday. The proposals were presented by RJP MP Brijesh Chandra Lal and the Nepali Congress’ Radhe Shyam Adhikari. Both the proposals were rejected by the meeting.
Earlier story:
The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, on Thursday has registered an amendment proposal, seeking revisions to the the National Medical Education Bill.
National Assembly member Radheshyam Adhikari registered the proposal. The Upper House is discussing the bill this afternoon.
The party source says the sought amendment, if endorse, will address concerns raised by medical education reform activist, Dr Govinda KC.
(Updated)
Nepali Congress undecided over amendment to Medical Education Bill
Kathmandu, January 31
After its bid to correct the National Medical Education Bill before endorsing it from the House of Representatives failed, the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has hoped that it can be amended before endorsing from the National Assembly.
Though the government is planning to endorse the bill from the Upper House as well today, the opposition party has decided to seek amendments.
However, the party is divided on whether to file a separate amendment proposal or second the one registered by Rastriya Janata Party Nepal.
RJPN lawmaker Brikhesh Chandra Lal has registered his proposal on Wednesday. Advocate Om Prakash Aryal, who has been closely following the issue, says Lal’s proposal is very close to the demands raised by medical education reform activist Dr Govinda KC.
The Congress party has also been demanding that the government correct the bill as demanded by Dr KC, who is on a fast-unto-death for past 23 days.
Congress lawmaker Badri Pandey says the party is discussing whether to register a new proposal or to second Lal.
Meanwhile, the party is also yet to decide whether to stage protest during the National Assembly meeting today. Lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari says it depends on how the government will present itself.
