Minister Sobita Gautam clarifies government ordinance

Sobita Gautam, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has issued a clarification regarding the ordinance brought by the government.

Following widespread comments and criticism, she released a video message on Facebook explaining the ordinance.

She stated that there is a constitutional provision allowing the government to issue ordinances when Parliament is not in session.

Gautam noted that ordinances have often been controversial because previous governments misused them for vested interests, which has led to public distrust.
“There are examples from the past where ordinances were introduced for self-interest and later scrapped without being presented in Parliament, which is why criticism arises,” she said.

However, she emphasized that the current context is different, claiming the ordinance was introduced to speed up work and remove legal ambiguities.

According to her, in several sectors, the lack of clear laws or legal uncertainty has made it difficult to move forward, and the ordinance was necessary to address those obstacles.

She also clarified that the government holds almost a two-thirds majority in Parliament, so there is no need to act secretly.
“Passing a bill through the normal process can take three to four months. Therefore, the ordinance was recommended to ensure fast and effective action,” she added.

Gautam assured that all ordinances issued by the President will be presented in Parliament and passed.

“This ordinance is not for any hidden purpose; it is intended to ensure faster and more effective governance. Government work will remain transparent and in the public interest,” she said.

Among the ordinances issued, the Special Provisions for Removal of Public Officials Ordinance, 2083 has led to the dismissal of 1,594 politically appointed officials.

As a result:

Officials from 11 universities, the University Grants Commission, and Public Service Commission-related bodies have been vacated at once.
Under the Education Act, 2028, 23 individuals, including the chairperson and members of the Teacher Service Commission and other committees, have been removed.
Positions in the Medical Education Commission, Medical Council, universities, and health science institutions have also been vacated simultaneously.