Speaker Directs PM Balen Shah to Answer MPs’ Questions in Parliament

Kathmandu, August 17, 2026: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has directed Prime Minister Balen Shah to appear in the House of Representatives and answer questions raised by lawmakers on matters directly related to the Prime Minister and his areas of responsibility.

The ruling was issued during Monday’s meeting of the House after lawmakers had repeatedly demanded a direct question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister.

Speaker Issues Ruling

Speaker Aryal said he had taken note of the opposition by lawmakers over the long delay in holding the direct question-and-answer session provided for under the House of Representatives Regulations 2083.

He then directed the Prime Minister to attend the House and respond to lawmakers' questions in accordance with Rules 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60.

The ruling came after opposition lawmakers had remained standing in protest. Following the Speaker's ruling, Aryal urged them to return to their seats and help resume the proceedings.

The lawmakers subsequently sat down and the House continued.

What Does Rule 56 Provide?

Rule 56 establishes a direct question-and-answer programme with the Prime Minister.

Under the provision, the Speaker is required to allocate the first hour of a meeting during one day in the first week of every month for lawmakers to ask questions on important matters directly related to the Prime Minister or his area of responsibility.

The rule also states that if the meeting cannot be held on the scheduled day for any reason, the programme should be conducted during the first hour of the immediately following House meeting.

However, the provision has not been implemented as required.

Other Rules Covering the Question Session

The relevant provisions also establish procedures for the programme:

• Rule 56: Provides for the direct question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister.

• Rule 57: Allows the programme to be broadcast live through government and other media.

• Rule 58: Requires lawmakers wishing to ask questions to submit written notice to the Speaker at least three days before the meeting.

• Rule 59: Gives the Speaker authority to determine whether submitted questions are admissible and to establish other procedures for the session.

• Rule 60: States that no discussion will take place in the House regarding answers provided under this question-and-answer chapter.

Ruling Comes After Repeated Demands

Lawmakers had been pressing for the Prime Minister to respond directly to questions concerning his responsibilities and the government's work.

Speaker Aryal said he had already issued the ruling in response to their demand and urged lawmakers to cooperate in conducting parliamentary proceedings.

The latest ruling puts the government under pressure to implement a question-and-answer mechanism that is already provided for in the House's own regulations.