Nepal, Aug. 19 -- Last week, a meeting of the House of Representatives scheduled to discuss a bill was adjourned due to the absence of the minimum number of lawmakers required to conduct the meeting. Nepal's statute requires at least one-fourth of the total strength, or 69 lawmakers, to be present for a House meeting to commence. However, only 61 lawmakers were present, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the meeting. While it is the responsibility of every lawmaker to ensure regular attendance, the onus of ensuring that the House functions smoothly lies with the ruling party. The Rastriya Swatantra Party commands 182 seats, which is two and a half times the minimum number required for the House to get down to business.

It was complete negl...