Kathmandu, June 16
Members of the House of Representatives on Sunday discussed the proposed Guthi Bill during the question hour of Parliament.
While members of the ruling Nepal Communist Party supported the controversial bill, lawmakers from the opposition criticised the government.
NCP lawmakers claimed that the bill’s aim was to integrate and revise guthi-related laws. They said that if the bill was passed, the Guthi system would become stronger and the demands of Guthi holders could be addressed. the lawmakers urged agitating parties not to circulate rumours that it could destroy the Guthi tradition and culture.
NCP’s Shanta Chaudhary defended the bill saying that that it would not interfere with traditional guthi. Metmani Chaudhary and Bimala BK also defended the bill on the grounds that it was trying to manage guthis more effectively, make festivals livelier and protect culture.
However, lawmakers from Nepali Congress and other parties who are against the bill demanded that the government withdraws the bill, and replaces it with a new one as the proposed bill would destroy centuries-old Guthi tradition, customs, and culture.
The Nepali Congress’ Gagan Kumar Thapa accused the government of attempting to squeeze the right to opinion and freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. He described the Guthi Bill and the information technology-related bill as documents against the people’s sentiments and sought their withdrawal.
Rajendra Lingden of Rastriya Prajatantra Party urged the government to withdraw the Guthi Bill, reasoning that the bill would affect ages-old customs. Likewise, Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers’ and Peasants’ Party drew the attention of the government to correct the bill.
