Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal appeared for the first time before the Federalism Strengthening and National Concern Committee under the National Assembly on Tuesday. Lawmakers had called him to clarify serious concerns about alleged interference from the Finance Ministry in the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON).
During the meeting, several lawmakers directly asked why the minister was meddling in SEBON’s work and disrupting the capital market. They questioned whether his actions were legal and why he appeared to go against the principles of transparency and market autonomy.
However, Minister Khanal chose not to answer these critical questions. He only responded to easier or less controversial topics, skipping the main concerns raised by the committee members.
When asked about the ongoing power cuts affecting industries and the national economy, Khanal again remained silent. Lawmakers said his silence reflected the government’s lack of seriousness toward the economic impact of such issues.
Some lawmakers accused the government of working with bias and ignoring the rule of law. They said that despite the government’s claims of promoting good governance, its interference in independent institutions told a different story.
Lawmakers also sought updates on the government’s roadmap for rebuilding structures damaged during the recent youth movement, the slow progress of capital expenditure, and liquidity issues in the banking sector.
Even questions about stalled projects like the Narayanghat–Butwal road project received no response.
Minister Khanal eventually left the session without addressing most of the major concerns raised against him.
