Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has said that free electricity has been provided to 13 million people living in 2.5 million households consuming less than 20 units of electricity.

Addressing the Ninth Village Assembly of Konjyosom Rural Municipality of Lalitpur on Saturday, Minister Bhusal said that efforts have been made to raise the living standard of farmers in rural areas by advancing the policy of irrigation.

In a separate context, Minister Bhusal said that holding the House of Representatives hostage is equal to obstructing the implementation of the constitution. She argued that the formulation of laws that serve interests of people has been badly affected due to the continuous obstruction posed by the CPN-UML in parliament.

"The sovereign body of the people is the House of Representatives. This is a people’s representatives’ body to formulate laws and rules. Today the parliament has not been allowed to function. So, there is a danger of regression. Everyone should be aware of this,” said Minister Bhusal.

Bhusal further added that the ruling alliance would remain strong as long as there is a threat of regression and would continue it not only till the election but also after the election.

Minister Bhusal claimed that the Federal Civil Service Act, Province Civil Service Act and Local Service Act would have been enacted if the House of Representatives had not been obstructed. She said that the law could not be made as the parliament was not functioning and the issue of distribution of power was also put on hold due to the obstruction.