The resumption of the Sudurpashchim provincial assembly meeting has remained uncertain following the September arson. The assembly remained largely inactive following endorsement of the fiscal budget, with the last meeting held on August 21.

The assembly building was severely damaged during the Gen Z protests, leaving the building and meeting halls in disrepair. No concrete plan for repairs has been finalised, making it unclear when sessions can resume, according to Dev Bahadur Bogati, secretary of the provincial assembly.

“The biggest uncertainty is the repair of the assembly building and meeting halls,” Bogati said. The provincial urban development office has estimated Rs5.4 million for minimal repairs, but the secretariat faces challenges over funding sources and procurement procedures. “Tender processes can take months, but such a large amount cannot be spent without one,” he added. Around Rs4 million worth of communication equipment will be provided through UNDP and other agencies.

Since August 21, assembly meetings have been stalled, and thematic committees, which would function as a mini-parliament, are nearly inactive. The provincial government has neither recommended concluding the current session nor prepared to resume meetings. The inactivity of committees has halted most assembly work, and even lawmakers outside Dhangadhi are rarely present.

“The offices of thematic committees were all damaged by fire and have not been repaired or reconstructed,” said Public Accounts Committee Chair Akkal Bahadur Rawal. “A place to meet must be secured before planning sessions.”

Five bills are currently under consideration: legislation concerning Tikapur Science and Technology University; protection and development of local customs; amendments to industry and forest-related acts; amendments to the Dalit Empowerment Act; and a bill on hazardous pesticides in Sudurpashchim Province, said Yubaraj Jaisi, information officer for the province assembly secretariat.

Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari said preparations are underway for repairing the assembly building and meeting halls and arranging necessary materials.