Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the government’s decision to amend 29 laws through ordinances, arguing that the legal changes were necessary to improve governance, attract investment, and address bureaucratic hassles.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives on Friday, Oli said the government took the step as it could not afford to wait for the next parliamentary session while critical reforms remained pending. He emphasised that the ordinances aimed to remove obstacles in public services, business operations, land management, and financial regulations.

“The country has initiated an unprecedented reform in governance and business environment,” Oli said, quoting media reports to highlight the significance of the amendments.

Oli dismissed criticism that the government had bypassed Parliament, arguing that ordinances are a constitutional provision used when the legislature is not in session. “Some have questioned the process rather than the content of the ordinances. But ordinances are issued only when Parliament is not in session. That is exactly what the constitution allows,” he said.

He further said legal hurdles had long hindered economic growth, and the ordinances were necessary to break bureaucratic and legal bottlenecks. “It takes at least five to six months to pass a law through the regular parliamentary process. But the country needed urgent reforms,” he said.

Oli also addressed concerns regarding the business sector, pointing out that despite banks having investable funds and record-high remittance inflows, business activity remained sluggish. He said reforms were needed to encourage investment, boost the real estate market, and increase production.

“We closely monitored the economic situation and took decisive action. The confidence of the private sector needed to be boosted, the country needed investment, and citizens needed relief from legal complications that had persisted for years. These ordinances were the first step in addressing these issues,” Oli said.

He urged lawmakers to focus on the substance of the ordinances. “Let us make our discussions issue-based and focus on the merits of these laws rather than limiting them to political rhetoric,” he said.

Oli said lawmakers have 60 days to approve, reject, or modify the ordinances through replacement bills. “It is now up to the respected House to decide,” he said.

On a separate note, the prime minister reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to strengthening friendly relations with neighbouring nations, India and China, while ensuring the country benefits from their rapid economic growth.

He said Nepal seeks to maintain ties based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Addressing concerns over the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) following his recent visit to China, he noted that unnecessary debates and misleading narratives had been created around the initiative.