Constitutional Amendment: Experts Consulted on Draft Debate Paper

Kathmandu. The 'Task Force for Preparing a Constitutional Amendment Debate Paper' formed under the convenership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's political advisor Asim Shah held discussions with senior advocates and advocates on Tuesday.

The task force has intensified the collection of opinions from experts with the objective of preparing a concrete debate paper that encompasses the experiences gained, challenges observed, and public aspirations as the constitution nears its tenth year of implementation.

During the discussions, the participants emphasized the need to protect the strong aspects of the constitution while addressing the practical complexities that have arisen.

Senior advocate Chandrakant Gyawali stated that to make federalism more effective, provinces should not be abolished but rather empowered and strengthened. He highlighted the necessity of fully implementing the agenda of inclusivity.

Similarly, senior advocate Dhruvalal Shrestha felt the need for some changes in the form of governance and suggested a balanced distribution of executive powers. The discussions also prioritized administrative purification and the end of political interference.

Senior advocate Baburam Kunwar suggested amending the constitution to completely stop political appointments in constitutional and administrative bodies. Senior advocate Khimlal Devkota praised the task force's ongoing work and proposed that only individuals with expertise should be appointed to ministerial positions.

Senior advocate Prof. Dr. Gyaneshwar Parajuli also emphasized the strengthening of provinces. Advocate Mohana Ansari put forward a new concept of an 'umbrella commission' to enhance the efficiency of constitutional commissions.

Advocate Ansari stated that the fundamental rights in the constitution should not be tampered with, but rather some rights need to be added. During the dialogue, senior advocate Ramnarayan Bidari clarified the inevitability of constitutional amendment, while advocate Anjita Khanal suggested moving forward in accordance with the spirit of the principle of inclusivity.

Advocate Khanal expressed the view that the provision of the same person chairing the Judicial Service Commission and the Judicial Council needs reconsideration and that the proportional representation system requires reform. Meanwhile, senior advocate Dr. Dinmani Pokharel cautioned the task force that the fundamental structures of the constitution should not be affected by any amendments.

Task force convenor Asim Shah expressed confidence that the suggestions received from the senior advocates and advocates have been taken seriously and will help make the upcoming debate paper more objective, practical, and enriched.

He stated that this intensive consultation with experts has laid a strong foundation for connecting the constitution with the aspirations of the people and the needs of the country. He informed that the task force under his convenership is collecting written suggestions from all stakeholders without any haste.