The Interim Legislature Parliament has begun debate on the programmes and policies of the government presented by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Wednesday.

Taking part in the discussion Sunday, most of the MPs described the government’s policies for the new fiscal year as “continuation of the previous ones”.

MP Lila Mani Pokhrel criticised the policy document saying that it “looks like the Congress party’s agendas” and that it has been brought in without adequately consulting the coalition partners. He said there is no objective approach in the policies and programmes to resume the stalled development activities.

MP Tilak Pariyar commented that the government had not been able to change its policies and programmes since the Panchayat era. He claimed the new policies of the government were against the spirit of the people’s movement of April last year.

Maoist and Nepali Congress MPs had some verbal tussle after NC MP Ananda Raj Kandel blamed the Maoists for continuing the criminal activities across the country.

Maoist and Jana Morcha MPs were more critical of the government plans, arguing that they are regressive and do not reflect the need of the hour.

The debate on the policies will continue for three days before PM Koirala answers the queries raised by the MPs on Wednesday. 23 MPs have filed amendment proposals on the policies and the programmes of the government.

Similarly, Bharat Mohan Adhikari presented the report of the parliamentary finance committee before the House. The report has been prepared to facilitate the government for finalising the upcoming budget.