The meeting of the House of Representatives has been adjourned until Thursday without completing the scheduled business, owing to a protest by Parliament staff.

During the meeting, Health and Population Minister Pradeep Yadav addressed lawmakers’ questions about budget allocations to his ministry. As lawmakers began asking supplementary questions, protesting staff directed the live broadcast camera only at Speaker Devraj Ghimire.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the continuous focus on the Speaker while not showing the members airing their views. Nepali Congress lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada remarked that it wouldn’t be appropriate to continue House proceedings amid protest by the staff. Then, Speaker Ghimire adjourned the meeting.

The next meeting of the lower house is scheduled for 11 am on Monday.

Eight ministers were scheduled to answer questions raised by lawmakers regarding allocations of budget in their respective ministries. However, no other ministers could respond to the questions except for Health Minister Yadav as the Speaker adjourned the meeting without moving on other agenda items scheduled for today’s meeting.

Employees of the Federal Parliament Secretariat are on strike, demanding allowances for overtime and work at odd hours. On Friday, staff members wore black armbands in a symbolic protest and started a sit-in in front of the Office of the Federal Parliament General Secretary for an hour from Sunday.

The protest comes as the House discusses the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The national budget, tabled in Parliament on May 28, is currently under ministry-wise discussions.