KATHMANDU: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has stressed the need for a coordinated and collaborative approach among all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Constitution.
In his address to a discussion programme on the “Present Status of the Implementation of the Constitution,” organised by the National Legislative Academy in Lalitpur today, he stressed the need for an objective analysis of the progress in drafting laws by the three-tier government and the delivery of services at local and provincial levels, urging advancement toward established goals.
Regarding ongoing political discussions about amending the Constitution, the Speaker spoke necessity for objective consideration during the review process.
He asserted that challenges in the implementation of constitutionally mandated laws must be assessed to enhance the effectiveness of the country’s fundamental law.
He highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the drafting of laws, effective implementation, and legislative and post-legislative auditing to improve the effectiveness of the main law of the land.
Chairperson of the National Assembly (NA) Narayan Prasad Dahal, who also spoke at the event, stated that the Constitution is not a complete document and called for broader discussions among stakeholders to make it “complete.”
He underscored the collective responsibility to increase ownership and wider acceptance of the Constitution.
“Deliverables for citizens, as envisaged by federalism, are still awaited. The formulation of laws demanded by the Constitution and federalism has not been completed,” he cautioned, calling for the need to move forward based on the principles of coordination, cooperation, and coexistence, which are essential for realizing the aspirations of the Nepali people.
Home Minister Ramesh added that the country has made progress towards development with the promulgation of the current inclusive Constitution, which has significantly transformed political governance by establishing a federal democratic system.
However, he acknowledged its shortcomings and affirmed that it is amendable. He cautioned against labeling the Constitution as “inappropriate” due to its shortcomings.
He informed the programme that 17 bills are pending in parliament and urged the government to focus on drafting the necessary laws in the upcoming winter session to address these gaps.
Thakur Gaire, President of the Committee for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Implementation of the Directive Principles, Policies, and Obligations of the State, stated that the Constitution aims to bring progress and prosperity to the country, alongside improving governance performance.
He proposed constitutional adjustments, including reducing the number of local levels and establishing seven ministries at the provincial level.
Supreme Court Judge Hari Prasad Phuyal highlighted the concept of a constitutional bench to strengthen provincial and local governance, asserting that such a bench would help improve coordination among the three tiers of government in enforcing the Constitution.
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