Kathmandu, Sept. 19:
President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the Constitution of Nepal has united ethnically, religiously, culturally and geographically diverse Nepali society into a thread of broader national unity by ending all sorts of discrimination and oppression imposed by the centralized and unitary form of governance.
In a message of best wishes today on the occasion of Constitution Day and National Day 2081 BS, the President has expressed confidence that the Constitution Day would make the political parties, leadership, government and the entire state regime more responsible for making it more democratic, just and result-oriented.
President Paudel has expected that this day would inspire all to unite to meet the aspirations of people for lasting peace, good-governance, development and prosperity through the federal democratic republican system.
In his message, the President has praised the contributions of political activists, the general public and the leaders of the political parties for their participation and leadership role in the political movements and tough struggles happened at different times for the establishment of the republic.
Likewise, the President has expressed condolence to all known and unknown martyrs for their martyrdom during different movements waged for the cause of the republican system.
Vice President lays emphasis on implementation of fundamental rights
Kathmandu, Sept. 19: Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has stressed the need for the implementation of entire legal provisions included in the Constitution of Nepal relating to fundamental rights.
In a message today on the occasion of the Constitution Day 2081 BS, the Vice President has said the values of inclusiveness principle adopted by the constitution should not be disrespected by anyone and anywhere.
Vice President Yadav has said that all should abide by the letter and spirit of the constitution including the socialism-oriented socio-economic system, federal democratic republic system and proportional inclusiveness principle and other provisions.
Likewise, the Vice President has cautioned that delay in the sharing of power and resources among the federal, province and local levels could create reservations towards federalism but it is highly essential and inevitable to run the provinces constitutionally by institutionalizing the federal system in the days ahead.
Similarly, Speaker of House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire has said that may this day inspire one and all to implement the constitution with honesty, which he termed as the main spirit of democracy and a reflection of the aspirations of Nepalis.
In his message, Speaker Ghimire has extended best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad. He has also stated that the Constitution of Nepal is a common document representing the national aspiration of all Nepalis adding that the concerned bodies should discharge their duty to implement the constitution.
Likewise, National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal has said that timely reform and revision while ensuring ownership of all in the constitution was a usual process.
In his message today, the National Assembly Chairman has said the process of constitution amendment should be for safeguarding the achievements and paving the way for further achievements.
Stating that the promulgation of the constitution through the Constituent Assembly (CA) was a historic milestone, NA Chairman Dahal has said that the citizens’ much-awaited expectation to be governed by the constitution drafted by their representatives was materialized through this constitution.
The leaders have expressed their condolences to those who sacrificed their lives for the establishment of the federal democratic republic in the country.
PM asks to secure future by using constitutionally ensured freedom
Kathmandu, Sept. 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that our future should be secured by using the freedom ensured by the constitution.
Extending his message of best wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day today through his social networking sites, the PM said that the people’s elected Constituent Assembly (CA) promulgated the constitution as per the choice of citizens for the form of governance after the decades-long struggle and sacrifices of hundreds of people. “The constitution has made powerful to all. It has protected the aspirations of all ideologies, communities, geographies, genders, and ethnic and religious groups,” the PM said.
“The rights we are using now could be safeguarded only through their promotion,” the PM said, urging the young generation not to forget the totalitarian regime faced by the people for long.
Prachanda for constitution’s implementation to transform people’s livelihood
Kathmandu, Sept. 19: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stressed the need to move ahead with firm determination to transform the people’s livelihood by safeguarding the rights used by the people given by the constitution and through their use and progressive revisions.
In a message today on the occasion of Constitution Day, the Maoist Centre Chairman Prachanda has said that the clear way ahead is to move to the initiative of socialism through good-governance, social justice and prosperity.
He also said that the main purpose of marking the Constitution Day is to unite the nation and people against all sorts of anarchies and totalitarian mentalities.
It was the responsibility of all to further strengthen the constitutionally ensured rights, the former Prime Minister said in his message.
Likewise, Prachanda has congratulated and extended best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad for their contributions made for the constitution-making processes.
The Maoist Centre’s Chairman has extended his condolence to those who lost their lives in the People’s War, historic People’s Movement, Madesh Movement and other movements, and has expressed his highest level of respect to the disappeared, injured and disabled warriors.
Bagmati Province Chief extends Constitution Day best wishes
Makawanpur, Sept 19: Chief of the Bagmati Province, Deepak Prasad Devkota, has extended best wishes on the occasion of the Constitution Day today. He spoke of the need for the highest level of understanding and collaboration among the forces dedicated to protecting and implementing the Constitution.
The Constitution weaves together the Nepali society featuring linguistic, caste, religious, cultural, and geographical diversities in the thread of cohesion with the elimination of discrimination and oppression caused by centralized and unitary governance system, the Province Chief said in the message.
He expresses his belief that the Day will inspire one and all to adopt the core values and principles of a federal democratic republic as a way of life and achieve national prosperity through the implementation of the Constitution.
Sudurpaschim Province Chief extends best wishes on Constitution Day
Godavari (Kailali), Sept 19: Chief of the Sudurpaschim Province, Najir Miya, wishes the Constitution Day may inspire the entire Napali citizens to advance towards the path of durable good governance and prosperity.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of the Constitution Day today, the Province Chief urged the citizens for an optimum exercise the rights granted by the Constitution which is achieved following the people’s struggle and sacrifice to build a prosperous Nepal.
He said the celebration of the Day is the commemoration of the historic moment and acknowledgment of September 19, 2015, when the Constitution was promulgated through a historic Constituent Assembly.
Extending best wishes to Nepali brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of the Day, he paid tributes to known and unknown martyrs on this Day.
Constitution guarantees rights of all: NC president Deuba
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the Constitution has guaranteed the rights of all citizens by recognising the worldwide values and principles of democracy and human rights.
In his message of best wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day today, he said September 19, 2015, is a historic moment in the country’s constitutional history as we celebrate the Day as Constitution Day.
“May this day inspire all of us to take the country towards the path of economic prosperity by protecting the Constitution and institutionalizing the federal democratic governance system,” the former Prime Minister said, remembering all those including known and unknown martyrs contributing to establishing and restoring n of democracy in the country and making the promulgation of the Constitution through the Constituent Assembly happened.
News Commentary-Constitution Day: Time to review enforcement status
Narayan Prasad Ghimire
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Nepal is observing the Constitution Day with fanfare. Nine years elapsed since the promulgation of the present constitution from the second Constituent Assembly. As we are in the decadal turn of the national charter soon, the time has come for a serious review of the enforcement status so that the weaknesses can be corrected for betterment and goals achieved accordingly.
The 2015 constitution was brought after many struggles and sacrifices, which not only toppled the centuries-old regime and unitary system but also created a substantial base for a new system- the federalism, as per which, three layers of governments are functioning now. People’s representatives at three levels have been elected twice since the launch of the present national charter.
Salient features
The striking feature of the present constitution is that it has made the citizens most powerful by vesting the State authority in them. It has recognized past struggles and set national goals, policies and ambitions in addition to the fundamental rights of the citizens. With the provisions of state organs, their roles and duties, and government layers and their functions, the constitution has emphasized the adoption of coexistence, cooperation and collaboration for the smooth functioning of three tiers of government.
When it comes to the assessment of the constitution, whether the provisions in it are materialized in governance is observed. To this, one of the essential pillars of a democratic system is periodic elections. Nepal is indeed on the positive side in this regard and earns an accolade. The elections held successfully twice in all three tiers of government after the promulgation of the 2015 constitution helped a lot in the enforcement of the federal system.
The participation of women and marginalized communities like Madhesi, Muslim, and indigenous nationalities in elections and their proportional representation in the parliaments reflected well the inclusion and diverse fabrics of the entire Nepali society in the governments and governance.
At a time when the above points paint a rosy picture, how effectively the new system and constitution have delivered the people draw attention. The long list of fundamental rights in the constitution is desperately waiting for enforcement through necessary laws and practices.
Time for review
Although it is normal to witness the argument that it takes time for a new system to flourish, a decade’s time too is not short either. Irrespective of the above salience, unstable governments and politics are blemishes to weaken the system, where political attitude and willpower have direct relations. The country witnessed several times unstable governments and frequent changes in political alliances at the federal level, which caused immediate aftershocks in the provinces. Many have blamed the hung parliament, which again goes behind the existing electoral system. Is it really because of the present electoral system the governments are unstable? If so, it deserves attention and engagement from all sectors to identify legal hindrances. We are aware that there is a huge cost of unstable governments.
Similarly, the constitution has mentioned Nepalis’ aspiration for sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity through multi-layer governments. But it is disappointing that corruption is thriving and it is getting entrenched especially at local levels. The recent report of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has spoken volumes in this regard. The non-cooperation among people’s representatives and government employees at some local levels while collusion among them in others has caused financial irregularities, which has not only taken a toll on citizen’s rights but also slowed and impeded development works. As a large chunk of the national budget goes to local levels for development works, squandering it for individual benefits with corrupt practices is against constitutional mandate and the national aspiration of economic prosperity. Where is the lacuna- in law, in practices or attitudes? It is time we paid heed.
Bring essential laws
Moreover, slack enforcement of federalism is behind protracted lawmaking. Utter delay in the introduction of laws related to police administration, civil service, and education are badly hampering the activities in the provincial and local governments. Although the federal bills relating to these significant aspects are brought to light from time to time, serious homework eluded these past years. Very old laws related to these sectors have not only created uncertainty but also stalled sub national functioning. Once the federal government delays lawmaking, the lower governments are hit hard. It is high time the central level realized the role of civil service and police administration as the backbone of the system. They are the law enforcement bodies, but the absence of laws has left them with jitters.
In addition to legal placements, only adequate management of civil servants in the local and provincial governments can deliver the services, utilize budgets and intensify development works. Celebrating local levels as the closest government of the people on the one hand and leaving these in the dearth of workforce is a sheer contradiction.
Empower sub national governments
Effective enforcement of the federal system is a cornerstone of the implementation of the 2015 constitution. The enforcement of the new system largely depends on the strengthening of the sub-national governments. However, the province and local governments are always complaining that despite continued efforts, they were not able to deliver to the people as per expectation owing to the noncooperation of the federal government.
In this regard, an expert on federalism, Dr Khimlal Devkota, also shares numerous problems and challenges before the functioning of the subnational governments. For the local and province levels to carry out development works including infrastructures, Dr Devkota says, “There are centralized revenue powers and limited fiscal resources for the province and local governments and federal encroachment to the functional responsibilities.”
Dr Devkota recommended better coordination mechanisms among federal units and the establishment of a scientific approach for determining vertical and horizontal resource pools. “It would be easy for the subnational governments to function well once a clear framework is established for exclusive and shared rights among governments,” he stressed. His argument is a robust fiscal federalism gives an impetus to the system.
Making new laws to suit the federal setup has been a pressing need since the promulgation of the present constitution. It however is at the receiving end of political feuds and parliamentary disruption over the past nine years. The smooth functioning of three tiers of government enables the system and empowers citizens, thereby paving the way to speed up developments and realize the national ambition of ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali’.
When we are celebrating the Constitution Day this year, amendment of the constitution has surfaced lately. It is vibrant, especially after the formation of the present coalition government of the Nepali Congress and the CPN UML. Although what exactly the political parties want to amend in the constitution has not been so clear, the issues that surfaced much in the media are on the electoral system.
Rigorous study for amendment
Here, a pressing question is: Does all political parties’ consensus determine amendment of the constitution? Does it ensure the expected result? The fundamentals of constitutionalism must be adhered to while forging political consensus. Limiting the amendment debate within a political circle is illogical. The amendment process can be a rigorous study of important issues that hindered progress or failed to ensure results. Utmost legal and constitutional expertise need to be consulted.
Similarly, is it only in the parliamentary front the constitution needs change, or is it so in the judiciary and executive as well? As we pride ourselves on the long list of fundamental rights, their enforceability also requires a study.
As the expert suggests and the practices reflected so far, it is safe to argue that unless subnational governments are empowered, it is a federal fiasco. By protecting the achievements made so far, the amendment needs to pay heed to the rights of all governments which keep in centre the people by delivering services smoothly and forwarding developments at scale. So, cautious measures of amendment initiative can protect citizen’s rights, especially inclusion, proportional representation and justice so that achievements would not be curtailed and jeopardized and the system made more functional and meaningful.
Constitution binds all Nepalis in comprehensive national unity
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said the constitution has made Nepali people empowered to protect country’s independence, sovereignty, geographical integrity, national unity and self-respect.
It has also ended all types of discrimination and oppression as well as bounded the Nepali society having linguistic, religious, cultural and geographical diverse to the formula comprehensive national unity, she shared.
In a message on the occasion of the Constitution Day today, former President Bhandari underlined that the Constitution has become a historic achievement in itself from the women’s participation in all state bodies to maintain gender equality, incorporating the social and geographical diversity and guaranteeing the fundamental rights.
She laid emphasis on the need of building a strong and self-reliant national economy to establish equal access of all citizens to services and facilities of the state by implementing the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution and to develop a socialism-oriented economy in order to build an equitable society based on social justice.
Former President Bhandari extended best wishes to all Nepalis in home and abroad on the occasion of the Constitution Day, extending heartfelt tribute to martyrs who lost their lives in different movements held to establish federal democratic republic.
Ninth Constitution Day: Madhes Province Chief Minister Singh proposes 5-8 ministries at centre, acknowledges some issues in management of province government
Janakpurdham, Sept 19: The federal governance system is globally considered the best governance system.
Nepal has been constitutionally switched to federalism with the promulgation of the existing Constitution on Sept 19, 2025.
It is an unavoidable fact that despite its characteristics, its essence and significance depend on the implementation. If the implementation side is weaker, the goals remain unmet.
It has been nine years since the country implemented the federal system with the provisions of a three-tier government. Three levels of function on the principle of autonomy and decentralization.
However, voices are being heard commenting on the relevance of this system. The “lack” of cooperation of the three-tier government for its implementation has been largely questioned.
Amidst this scenario, Chief Minister of the Madesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh assessed the federal governance system as the best governance system.
As he said, the province will function confidently if the federal government turns liberal into divulgence of the power and authority to them as envisaged by the Constitution.
He expects the central government to enable an atmosphere for the province to exercise its rights guaranteed by the Constitution comfortably
“Amidst the limited authority, however, we are hopeful and committed to exercising the available rights to take the province towards prosperity, he said, expecting the federal government to address such gaps promptly,” he said.
He argues that federalism will meet the goals provided that province governments are empowered with the allocations of their constitutional rights.
The understanding of the Chief Minister is that since the implementation of federalism, education, health, employment, industrial, and infrastructure sectors have seen acceleration in development endevours at the provincial and local levels with significant transformations in the rural areas.
He stressed that these achievements can’t be underestimated.
The roles that the province and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic were of mind worth. It would not be otherwise to say that their efforts prevented the spread of the infection, avoiding potential casualties, according to the Chief Minister.
He believed that if the province and local levels relied on the federal government to face the challenges, the situation would be worse and wretched. The pandemic provided challenges to the province and local governments to prove their presence and significance and highlight the relevance of federalism. He claimed that amidst limited rights and jurisdictions, province governments continue to strengthen their essence and relevance.
They have remarkably delivered for acquiring quality development of the education sector with the enhancement of physical infrastructure in schools and upgrading the health facilities as well. They have a limited workforce and 60 percent of government employees are in and around the Singha Durbar, the country’s main administrative hub.
It has been cultivated as a wider mindset that employees are transferred to the province from the federal as a ‘punishment’.
Various ministries function at the province level and it is not relevant to have 25 ministries in the Singha Durbar (federal capital), he said, proposing the federal government to have at least five to seven provinces.
The Departments under the Federal ministries are not warranted, but the functions supposed to be of the province governments are being carried out by the federal government.
He assured that the province government would resist if any efforts were made to weaken federalism. He called upon all political parties and the entire citizens to unite provided that any assaults were made against federalism.
In his reply to the RSS query that federalism is said to be costlier for the State, the Chief Minister said the ‘narrative’ is not based on scientific facts and with evidence.
He does not entertain the idea of connecting the emergence of an economic crisis in the country to the implementation of federalism. The crisis is due to other international and external factors such as the Russia-Ukraine War, the Covid-19 pandemic, and so on. The narrative about the federalism-induced crisis is just propaganda and is being promoted by those who are against the federal system in the country.
In another question, he complained that the federal government is not liberal in the allocation of budget to the province government for its operations and management. So far, the budget for the current fiscal has not been released to the province. The five ministries in the Madhes province are functioning sans secretaries. They are handled by acting secretaries.
“Our calls since the beginning for the operation and management of Nepal Police under the province government, the appointment of secretaries, transfer, promotion, and mobilization of employees have remained unaddressed. The absence of the promulgation of the Federal Civil Service Act has hampered the management of Province civil employees.”
The province government has recorded various significant initiatives in the past seven years of its establishment, the Chief Minister said.
The establishment of the Public Service Commission, the development of the curriculum, employee appointments, constitution of the Jan Lokpal Commission to promote good governance, the establishment of the Madhesh Academy, Dairy Development Board, Youth Council, Madhesh Health and Science Institute, Film Development Board, Media Council, Telecommunications Authority, the Madesh Agriculture University, Technical Education and Vocational Training Council and the Provincial Assembly Secretariat are the achievements of the province government.
Similarly, at the district level, there remain soil conservation offices and transport management offices.
In the districts, various initiatives have been carried including the construction of roads and government buildings and the government support for hospital infrastructure. The government is searching for land for the construction of buildings for the Chief Minister’s Office and other ministries with priorities.
As part of his regular business, Chief Minister Singh conducts surprise inspections of ministries, offices, and hospitals within the province, visits touristic sites, monitors the agricultural sector, and meets with the public to respond to their grievances, according to the Secretariat of the Chief Minister.
The incumbent province government is said to be media-friendly and has been committed to transparency. Last fiscal year, the capital expenditure was around 50 percent.
According to him, the Madhes Province Assembly Secretariat has passed 55 laws to date, including the Province Economic Procedure Act 2074 BS, the Chief Minister and Ministers’ Remuneration and Facilities Act 2075 BS, the Province Economic Act 2075 BS, the Province Road Act 2076 BS, the Facilities for Local Level Officials and Members Act 2077 BS , the Province Communication Act 2077 BS, the Province Electricity Act 2077 BS , the Province Institution Registration Act 2079 BS, and the Province Vaccine Act 2079 BS . The formulation of the remaining acts is underway. He claimed a significant delivery in the area of legislation in the Province.
Highlighting the achievements of the country after federalism, Madhesh Province Assembly Speaker Ramchandra Mandal said that federalism is featured by unity within the diversity.
The federal government is not supposed to overlook the constitutional provisions and concurrent rights between the federal and province governments aiming to empower the provinces.
The RSS talked to Chief Minister Singh at his office recently on the occasion of the Constitution Day-2081 BS to prepare this article.
PM Oli addresses Constitution Day main programme, says political instability can be addressed through constitution amendment
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the instability seen at the political level can be addressed through constitution amendment.
Addressing the Special Programme to mark the Constitution Day, 2081 and the National Day at the Army Pavilion at local Tundikhel today, the PM gave assurances that the constitution amendment would be moved ahead with the consent of all the political parties representing in the parliament.
“We will not only look at the numbers in parliament during the amendment process. Maximum efforts would be made to garner consensus of all the parties as far as possible and not only of those parties in the government,” he said, adding that the constitution should be made timely and by making it timely is meant removing or revising the provisions that are inappropriate.
“It means changing the provisions that are incompatible in ‘letter and spirit’ or where there are obstructions.”
Stating that the struggle is now for the protection and implementation of the rights achieved, the Head of Government called on all sides to be committed to political stability, policy-level permanence and the nation’s prosperity.
He stated that the present government is consciously moving ahead to create an environment in which a youth is confident of getting employment within the country itself; a labourer has the confidence of getting decent work, there is equal access to the citizens on health care and nobody will have to go to bed on hungry stomach, the children are found in schools and not on the streets, and farmers get market and price for their agriculture products.
According to the Prime Minister, the government is firstly working to prepare the required action plan for implementation of the fundamental rights in order to build such an environment. He made it clear that policy-wise the work of preparing the action plan required for the effective execution of the laws formulated for the implementation of fundamental rights has been expedited.
Noting that the government’s attention has been centred on mobilizing the economic resources for the implementation of the basic rights, Prime Minister Oli said, “The financial resources necessary for the implementation of the fundamental rights specified in the constitution are not immediately available. The government is working to provide relied to the people by managing the required resources.”
The PM said still 20 per cent of the citizens are living under the absolute poverty line and the present government is vigorously working to bring out all citizens from this vicious cycle of poverty.
“We can make the society equitable only by ending this situation and the national aspiration of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ can be realized only through the equitable society. The model of our development needs to be made inclusive to fulfill the national aspiration,” he reiterated.
Stating that the constitution has prepared an equal base to all for competing, the PM said protection, together with health services, to the older people has been initiated through the all-time social security while quality education has been initiated for the children.
He mentioned that the government is steadfast in its resolve in making the wage-based employment decent and safe, and the life of citizen comfortable and happy after retirement from service through the contribution-based social security.
As the Prime Minister said, the government has the policy of investing in startup, self-employment and entrepreneurship, and of involving the maximum number of youths in them. He stated that the government is clear on the notion that maximum investment should be made in youths and children for the future.
Noting that stability is precondition for development, he stressed on the need of stability in both policy and political realms.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the federal democratic republican system adopted by the nation is a political system based on healthy competition, and a democracy with ‘rights to all, equal access to opportunities, equality, social justice, security and dignity’ is the true democracy.
He made it clear that the rule of law, transparency and accountability are the integral conditions of the Nepali democracy.
“Our state system is a federal democratic republic. It is not the continuation of any dynasty’s autocratic rule. It is a progressive system run through the model in which people themselves elect their rulers. There is no going back from this system. This is the governance system which the people themselves have chosen. It is the duty and responsibility of us all to strengthen it and stand by it,” the PM reiterated.
‘Constitution reflects our collective determination and common views’
Stating that today is the special day for Nepal and Nepali people, Prime Minister Oli recalled that the country got its main laws on Asoj 3 from long struggle, sacrifice of many people and tireless hard work.
“Today is the day that fulfilled the people’s desire of institutionalizing the organized movement launched by the Nepali people since 1993 BS to get rights and ‘governing themselves and writing constitution by themselves’ since 2007 BS”, he explained.
Sharing that the Constitution Day makes him remember about destinations determined along with struggle, journey walked together and gained common achievements, the Prime Minister mentioned that he feels that the Constitution Day is encouraging him to make determination for protecting and promoting the constitution and its effective implementation.
“The constitution promulgated from the Constituent Assembly has reflected our collective desire and shared views. It has incorporated the voices, dreams and aspirations of all–farmers, workers, teachers, students, youths, women, Dalits, indigenous nationalities, Tharus, Muslims, people from backward communities, among others”, PM Oli added.
He viewed that the constitution has guaranteed rights for all citizens as well as expressed commitment for a beautiful and bright future of all the Nepali citizens, stating that it has incorporated sentiments of all Nepalis except exception.
“I want to extend special gratitude towards the Nepali citizens for their unity against the force trying to foil harmony in the pretext of ‘disagreement’ in the constitution,” said PM Oli.
Different types of cultural processions were presented on the occasion as well as a chopper of the Nepali Army displayed a banner with ‘Constitution and National Day 2081’ and showered flowers.
President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, federal lawmakers, people’s representatives, chiefs of constitutional bodies and security bodies, heads of diplomatic missions, among others were present on the occasion.
Gandaki Province Chief Bhatta extends best wishes on Constitution Day
Gandaki, Sept 19: Chief of Gandaki Province, Dilliraj Bhatta, has said national prosperity is achievable through the implementation of the Constitution.
Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day today, the Province Chief stressed the need to keep the paramount value of national unity, integrity, and people’s sovereignty intact. As he said, the progress of the citizens and the promotion of the nation’s interests are the supreme goals of the nation.
“May the Day inspire all to adopt the core values and principles of a federal republic democratic as a way of life,” he said.
Expressing his hope that the State’s organs should play impartial and just roles in the implementation of the Constitution, he paid tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives in various movements for the establishment and restoration of democracy in the country.
Karnali Chief Joshi urges political parties, citizens to unite for Constitution’s enforcement
Karnali, Sept 19: Chief of Karnali Province, Yagya Raj Joshi, has said the rights of the citizens will be strengthened through the implementation of the Constitution in letter to the extent.
In his address to a major function organized marking the Constitution and National Day at Birendranagar of Surkhet here today, the Province Chief urged the political parties, employees, and the entire Nepali citizens to unite for the enforcement of the Constitution which has the features of federalism, proportional representation, secularism, and inclusion.
“It would not be an appropriate time now to say that the Constitution has not been fully enforced,” he said, adding that effective implementation of the country’s law will bring real transformations in citizen’s lives.
Also speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, said the Constitution was promulgated following the people’s sacrifices, underlining the need of cooperation among the three-tier government to implement the federal democratic republic.
Karnali Province Speaker Nanda Gurung described the Constitution as a holistic document to empower the Nepali citizens.
Karnali Province government secretary Chudamani Paudel said the effective implementation of the Constitution and federalism will take us to the goals.
Norms, values envisioned by constitution should be implemented in practice: Chief Justice
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha has said people’s expectation would be addressed from effective implementation of the constitution, and that the norms and values envisioned by the country’s main charter should be adopted in practice.
Extending his message of best wishes today on the occasion of the Constitution Day, 2081, Chief Justice Shrestha stressed on effective implementation of the constitution and its values through collaboration and coordination of all.
The message reads, “The constitution has established democratic norms and values–multi-party democratic governance system, citizen’s freedom, fundamental rights, human rights, voting rights, periodic election, press freedom as well as independent, fair and capable judiciary as the basic structure.”
The Chief Justice mentioned that different activities including registration of writ petition through online, debates, lobbying and statement recording are being carried out through video conferencing method for easy access of service seekers to justice-level.
Stating that the judiciary of the country is involving to guarantee justice for all through the medium of easy, smooth and effective execution of justice being sensitive towards responsibilities and duties entrusted by the constitution, he mentioned that the fifth five-year strategic plan of the judiciary has been brought into implementation from current fiscal year.
Chief Justice Shrestha shared that the constitution is not only the document determining the state’s structure, but also the document of country’s socio-economic and cultural transformation.
Nepal’s existing Constitution is document of long struggle of Nepali citizens: Minister Rana
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has said the Nepal’s existing Constitution is a document of the tremendous struggle of the Nepali citizens they made with the determination to draft the Constitution by their representatives. It is the document of their sacrifices, she said.
In her address to a function organised by the Nepali Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on the occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal, the Minister said so.
The promulgation of Nepal’s Constitution-2072 BS (2015) marks a pivotal moment in Nepal’s history. This democratic Constitution has been drafted by an inclusive and representative Constituent Assembly that was formed with the larger participation of Nepali citizens, she said.
“It has been drafted with the direction of people’s participation and it embodies the collective aspiration of our multi-caste, multi-lingual and multi-cultural nation to build a justice, inclusive, and democratic society.
For us the constitution is more than a legal text, it is the very bedrock of the nation’s values and collective identity, a living testament to our journey toward democracy, inclusivity, and justice, according to the Minister.
She made it clear that Nepal’s constitution has protected the rights of the citizens and ensures the rights of citizens from each area and sphere to live with dignity as per the principles of the rule of law.
“One of the most profound aspects of our constitution is its commitment to universally recognized human rights and freedom to all individuals regardless of caste, creed, gender or religion,” she told before the gathering.
It embraces the principles of equality liberty and justice and guarantees equal protection of the law. The Constitution’s emphasis on social justice and inclusion reflects our commitment to building a society where every person can live with dignity and opportunity, she said.
It transforms Nepal into a federal democratic republic, devolves power to bring decision-making closer to the people, empowers local governments, enhances accountability, and ensures that every citizen has a voice in the governance system, the Minister added
Parliament is one of the most representative legislative bodies with women occupying 33 percent of the seats. Our provincial and local assemblies comprise 41 percent of women’s representatives. In a matter of the past few years, women have made it to the top positions as the head of the state, chief justice, and the speaker of the parliament, she appraised the event.
She also acknowledged the goodwill, solidarity, and spontaneous support of Canada during the democratic transition in Nepal and after the promulgation of the Constitution. Nepal and Canada have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. Our two countries share common values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, she said. Canadian citizens and those representing the Nepali Community in Canada joined the celebration. Nepal’s ambassador to Canada, Bharat Raj Paudel welcomed the Minister to the event.
The Foreign Minister is presently in Canada in the course of attending the Conference of Women Foreign Ministries at the invitation of her Canadian counterpart Mélanie Joly.
Amendment of constitution as per public aspiration: Minister Khadka
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that the government is working on making laws compatible with the Constitution.
On the occasion of the eighth foundation day of Nepali Radio Network here today, he mentioned that the government has prioritized the enactment of necessary laws.
Energy Minister Khadka noted that the Constitution is not a permanent document therefore it could be amended according to the aspirations of the people and the need of the country.
Minister Khadka mentioned that the government is working for the economic development of the country and alleviating the disappointment of the people.
9th Constitution Day: Administrative and fiscal federalism yet to be realized, says CM Kandel
Surkhet, Sept 19: The country is celebrating ninth anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal-2015, today. There is a three-tier government in the country as per the Constitution. In the implementation of federalism, all provinces have their own place and Karnali province is one of them.
Meanwhile RSS Karnali province office chief Sur Bahadur Singh and correspondent Hemant KC talked with Karnali Province Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel about various issues including utilization of rights guaranteed by constitution, challenges seen in course of formulating acts, laws, their implementation, achievements made and expectation with federal government in the context of the Constitution Day.
About the significant achievements made in province level after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal-2072 BS, Chief Minister Kandel said structures have been built as envisaged by the constitution during the period. Laws for the operation of these structures have been enacted to some extent. Some activities have been executed. I see there is a situation to seriously review and evaluate the people’s aspirations and expectation. A kind of dissatisfaction and distress of the people has been seen due to the struggle for power among the people, although development and construction, and economic prosperity are the main priority.
Talking about the existing structural and legal arrangements for province government in course of implementing its policies, programmes and action plan, he shared that there are some weakness in the operation of structures, so it seems that discussion should be held about building structures in province level or make it active or effective in coming days.
Basically, the country has adopted federalism according to the constitution, but I think some activities have not been carried out due to centric mentality in all levels to implement the things mentioned in the constitution till the date.
“We have implemented one level of political federalism to make federal structure or province active. But positive message of provinces has not been disseminated in lack of full implementation of administrative and fiscal federalism. The role of province should be effective. People’s support might have been increased if the provinces implemented their rights efficiently whatever rights they have received,” he mentioned.
Chief Minister Kandel shared that he does not agree about conflict among three tiers of the government in course of implementing the constitution. But there is some misunderstanding and differences in terms of implementation and understanding, which should be removed. The way we have implemented political federalism, the political structures were formed accordingly.
Responding to a query about scrapping the federal structure, he said those who are saying that federal structures should be scrapped as it has become a brden on the national coffers as well as has not become financially and politically viable have their destinations somewhere else. It is not necessary to hold much discussion about it.
Power struggle has now become the main agenda which is affecting development construction and putting the activities related to the serving the people under shadow. People’s trust towards federal system would be increased if we fulfill our responsibilities from our respective places, he explained.
The Chief Minister further said some of the parties have been skeptical on constitution amendment citing that people’s rights would be curtailed if constitution was amended, which is not right. I think people’s expectation towards development construction would be addressed from constitution if we hold discussion with open mind.
He underlined, “I have taken the responsibility of the Chief Minister four months ago. In the meantime, comparative study of activities I have carried out should be done. The federal government has not yet made some of the laws. It would be easier to us if the federal laws were formulated. Laws that should be formulated by province should be compatible with constitution and federal laws. Mainly, it has already become late to enact the Civil Service Act, the Education Act and the Police Adjustment Act to ensure administrative federalism. Meanwhile, we have been holding discussion in the province assembly about laws of local-level. It will be passed from this session of the province assembly.”
Karnali Province Assembly has been carrying out activities regarding formulating laws reated to Dalits and Transport Service, but has been facing problems after the federal government is delaying formulating laws, the CM opined.
Talking about the provincial pride projects and policy and structural-level reforms to give momentum to development projects, he expressed the view that there are numerous projects. Budget was allocated in Karnali province without determining province’s priorities. The budget was brought this year in order to complete projects gradually where budget has already been invested and giving priority to the budget allocation. As he said, no new plans were introduced this year.
“We called the stakeholders and asked them to complete the construction activities soon and get reward. I am making environment conducive for the same. Four roads of Karnali province are in my priority. Activities for the establishment of a cement factory in Surkhet and construction of provincial pride project ‘Integrated Administrative Building’, will begin in near future. However, it is not easy to make it happen,” he stated.
Chief Minister Kandel further said that the draft of the second five-year plan is in preparation phase and the Provincial Planning Commission has been working on it, keeping it in priority. The major thing is to pass the plan first. A trend should be established to bring budget, policy and programmes as per the plan of the Commission. The government has been moving ahead in order to make plan taking its ownership.
At last, I want to extend best wishes to all people including Karnali folks on the occasion of Constitution Day, 2081. The present constitution and governance system is the result of sacrifice and devotion of many Nepali people. We cannot look for its alternative right now. But political parties should pay attention to make the constitution useful for life.
“We should boost self-confidence that a prosperous Karnali could be built through people’s representatives. Constitution is the document that can be amended. Let’s talk about progressive changes, but don’t create conflict, misunderstanding in the name of alternative to the present constitution and system. I wish healthy, long-life and progress to all Nepalis and Karnali folks on the occasion of the Constitution Day.
Reduce local levels through constitution amendment: Vice President Wagle
Kathmandu, Sept 19: Vice President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Swarnim Wagle, has said amendment of Constitution should pay heed the concerns and demands of the general public.
During a discussion the parliamentary party of RSP organized on Thursday, Wagle suggested reduction of local levels and revamp in provincial structure through the constitution amendment. “The debate initiated with the angle of clumsy and costly provincial structure must reach a logical conclusion,” he said, adding, “Robust, fair and clean federal government from a legal viewpoint, and effective coordination by the provincial structure and smooth public services expected in the present system.”
According to him, the constitution is a dynamic document and the discourse on it helps whet party’s knowledge for better policy and system.
The RSP has been conducting the discourses on country’s political, economic, social and foreign affairs that are related to people’s concerns.
Similarly, Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar viewed the constitution day as a historic moment to commemorate the struggles waged for democracy and rights. “The present constitution has incorporated salient features as inclusion, republic, and federalism, which need to be linked to national prosperity,” he underlined.
On the occasion, former chief secretary of the Nepal government, Leela Devi Gadtaula, wondered why there was still a dismal representation of women in the political leadership. “Unless women reach leadership, expected results are elusive,” she argued.
Rights activist Kunjani Pariyar viewed the present constitution which reflects inclusion and proportional representation is a historic document.
Political analyst Tula Narayan Sah lamented, “The practices so far have not translated constitutional spirit. The higher level of party and State are still not inclusive.”
RSS
