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By Our Reporter

The government has issued five ordinances just three weeks before the winter session of the parliament. The President summoned the winter session for January 31, just a week after he issued five ordinances which amended several laws many of which are in favour of brokers, businessmen and middlemen.

Among the five ordinances, the first is related to “Promotion of good governance and easing the public service”. This ordinance has paved the way to amend at least 12 existing laws.

The second ordinance is related to “Improving the economic and business environment and investment promotion,” whereby the government will change some legal provisions. The third one is changing the name of the “Investment Act” to “Public Enterprise and Public Investment Management Act.” The fourth is on “Working procedure for economic and financial accountability”. Likewise, the fifth one is an amendment to the Land Act.

As per the recommendation made by a task force led by former chief secretary Leeladevi Gadtaula, the government has decided to make changes to several existing laws through the ordinances.

Although President Ramchandra Paudel kept the land-related ordinance on hold for a few days, he issued it after Prime Minister Oli convinced him.

It is rumoured that PM Oli and NC boss Deuba plan to give the government land, and forest on lease to business parties close to leadership. Likewise, the land will be distributed to party workers in the name of land squatters.

Opposition lawmakers as well as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah have criticised the government’s decision to issue the ordinances bypassing Parliament.