February 28: After much debate and deliberations, the House of Representatives has finally ratified the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant agreement reached between Nepal and the US government.    

The second meeting of the HoR ratified the MCC compact on Sunday evening (February 27). Finance Minister Janardan Sharma had presented the proposal seeking the passage of the MCC compact along with descriptive notes. The proposal was passed by voice vote.     

The main opposition, CPN UML, continued its protest over non-implementation of its decision.    

Earlier, taking part in the discussion on finance minister's proposal seeking ratification of the MCC compact along with descriptive notes, the lawmakers put forth views for and against the MCC compact.    

Lawmaker Parbata Bisankhe said the descriptive notes of the MCC compact should be approved in letter and spirit, adding that the US government too should accept it. Bisankhe said Nepal should scrap it otherwise.    

Likewise, lawmaker of Rastriya Janamorcha Durga Poudel argued that the descriptive notes were one-sided and the MCC compact was against the spirit of nationalism and national sovereignty.    

UML lawmaker Bhim Rawal also questioned the one-sided descriptive notes, stating that it created illusion among the people.    

However, Nepali Congress (NC) whip Pushpa Bhusal believed that the MCC would help strengthen Nepal's economy and support in development of infrastructures in the country. Bhusal said it while taking part in the deliberation on the proposal, seeking ratification of MCC compact in the second meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR).    

She argued that a total of 46 countries across the world had inked MCC agreement with he USA and there was not a single case of military alliance relating to the MCC. She also commented that the descriptive notes on the MCC were positive.    

MP Prem Suwal, however, protested the MCC agreement and demanded it be withdrawn. Matrika Prasad Yadav said that descriptive notes were a part of the MCC internationally.    

Similarly, Dr Minendra Rijal of Nepali Congress expressed his confidence that the descriptive notes would help dispel the misleading information about the MCC.    

CPN (Unified Socialist) lawmaker Jivan Ram Shrestha said that the descriptive notes on the MCC were positive and the American side should also mandatorily abide by it.    

CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Girirajmani Pokharel viewed that more light should be thrown on the MCC.

The next meeting of parliament is scheduled for February 30. -- RSS