Guthi Bill can be revised, says PM Oli

KATHMANDU, June 16: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that the Guthi Bill can be revised if necessary.

Supporters of traditional Guthi culture, cultural activists, lawmakers from the opposition and the ruling party and other stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction over some of the provisions, especially the formation of the authority to administer the Guthi properties, in the Guthi Bill recently registered at the National Assembly. They have also demanded the withdrawal of the Bill from the parliament.

“The Guthi Bill covers issues like culture, tradition, religion and the ownership and rights of peasants. The proposed law might not be correct. This is people’s government. The government will work in the interest of the people. The Bill can be revised if necessary,” said PM Oli, talking to the journalists, upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport from his week-long Europe visit.

The dismay of the pro-Guthi supporters was made worse after Minister for Communication and Information Technology and government Spokesperson Gukul Baskota, in defense of the Bill, said that the Guthi tradition is a symbol of feudalism.

The ruling party lawmakers even warned to topple the government and demanded the resignation of Minister Baskota, giving a two-day ultimatum to the government to withdraw the controversial Bill, warning a decisive protest if the issue not addressed by Monday.