KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has said his government has given high priority to strengthening provinces and ensuring they receive full authority.
Addressing a high-level meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar to discuss the recent situation in Tarai-Madhesh, Shah said provinces can only become fully empowered through the complete and effective implementation of the Constitution.
The prime minister said the practice of federalism has continued since the promulgation of the Constitution and the government is committed to transferring powers from the federal government to provinces and facilitating the delegation of authority to local levels.
Shah said the government’s budget is fully inclusive and aims to address the interests of all geographical regions, communities and marginalised groups. He also pledged that, as prime minister, he would treat all Nepali citizens equally and that the Prime Minister’s Office would remain equally accountable to every citizen.
He said there could be no compromise on the fundamental values adopted by the Constitution, democratic system, rule of law and national unity during the current sensitive situation.
Calling for a national commitment that “the future of all Nepalis is secure only when the Constitution is strong,” Shah urged political parties, social and religious leaders and citizens to stand firmly for restraint, dialogue and national unity.
The meeting was attended by Tarai-Madhesh leaders including Mahanta Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, Upendra Yadav, Lal Babu Raut, Ram Kumar Sharma, Shamim Miya Ansari, Prabhu Sah, Amresh Kumar Singh, Sharat Singh Bhandari and Dr CK Raut.
During the meeting, the leaders presented their concerns, analysis and suggestions regarding contemporary issues in the Tarai-Madhesh region, security challenges, good governance and strengthening of federalism.
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