The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which emerged as the largest party after a landslide win in the March 5 snap parliamentary elections, has begun a two-day orientation for its newly elected members of parliament (MPs) from Tuesday.

The two-day residential training is being held at a hotel in Lalitpur.

The party won a total of 182 seats, just two seats short of a two-thirds majority in the 275-member House of Representatives. Since most of the lawmakers are new to Parliament, the orientation aims to familiarise them with parliamentary procedures and responsibilities, according to RSP leaders.

The orientation will feature sessions by party president Rabi Lamichhane, vice-presidents Dol Prasad Aryal and Swarnim Wagle, General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, and guest trainers.

However, party president Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah were not present at the opening session.

Party leaders said Lamichhane is expected to deliver closing remarks of the orientation programme, while no specific role for Shah has been mentioned in the programme schedule. Leaders cited health reasons for Shah’s absence.

Computer expert Dovan Rai, who was invited to train lawmakers at the orientation, said her sessions focused on general, foundational topics, given that many of the lawmakers are new.

She explained that her training primarily centred on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as the algorithms used by social media platforms and their broader impact.

“Data is not only a matter for the state. It also concerns individual privacy. As discussions around establishing data centers are gaining momentum here, it is equally important to address ways to minimise their environmental impact,” Rai said on the occasion.

She added that when discussing economic development, it is important not to view it through a narrow lens but to adopt a broader, more holistic perspective.

Wagle, addressing the orientation, urged new lawmakers to take their responsibilities seriously and respect the mandate given by the people. He also advised lawmakers to revisit the party manifesto and core positions.

“We are here to make laws, so it is essential to understand what our primary and essential duties are,” Wagle said. He also emphasised that lawmakers must act as effective watchdogs to closely oversee the government’s work.

“It is a crucial moment to reform the system and establish good governance by rising above personal concerns,” Wagle urged lawmakers. “This is the time to institutionalise the system and stabilise the disorderly political economy.”

Similarly, Samiksha Baskota, who was elected to parliament under the proportional representation system, said the training focuses in particular on the role MPs are expected to play in policy-making, as well as the conduct and approach required of them in parliament.

“Today’s orientation focused on the responsibilities we must fulfil as members of parliament,” said Baskota, a former leader of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, which merged with the RSP before the elections.

The party said the training seeks to support lawmakers in becoming effective, accountable, and results-oriented representatives while clarifying the party’s strategy, vision, and policy priorities. In addition, the training has been designed to equip lawmakers with the skills needed to ensure effective coordination between parliament, the government, and their respective constituencies.

The second day of the programme will focus on budget processes, good governance, and the code of conduct for lawmakers, according to the party.