Constitution Day marked in all provinces

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 20: Constitution Day was marked in the capitals of all seven provinces and 77 districts on Thursday.

Our Pokhara correspondent reported that Gandaki Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatt highlighted that the constitution has dismantled the discrimination and oppression inherent in previous centralised governance structures and highlighted the importance of the current constitution in fostering national unity among Nepal's diverse ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups. 

Speaking at a programme organised by the Government of Gandaki Province on Thursday, Bhatt said that the constitution aims to build a socialist-oriented economy, promoting an egalitarian society grounded in social justice. "I stress the crucial need to effectively utilise our country’s human and natural resources, especially our vibrant youth," he said.

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey highlighted the government's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the citizens. "I reiterated our province's commitment to implementing federalism based on cooperation and coordination, and I expressed the need for political unity to create effective provincial laws," he said.

The event also featured traditional dances performed by artists from Gandaki Pragya Pratishthan. 

Similarly, the Koshi province government marked Constitution Day and National Day with a vibrant celebration. Organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, the festivities began with a morning rally from Shaheed Rangshala to Adarsh Secondary School, showcasing the region's diverse cultures.

“While state-level governance is crucial for federalism, we face challenges in power-sharing with higher and lower levels. 

Our Constitution aims to eliminate discrimination and foster an inclusive society,” said Hikmat Kumar Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, according to our Koshi Bureau in Biratnagar. 

He highlighted the provincial government's commitment to social justice and economic prosperity, reflecting the wishes of the people.

Likewise, Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya of Lumbini Province stressed the importance of strong unity, coordination, and cooperation among political parties to meet the rising aspirations of citizens. Speaking at the Constitution and National Day 2024 celebrations, he urged all stakeholders to take responsibility for realising the slogan "Prosperous Lumbini, Self-reliant Province." 

Similarly, Karnali Province Chief Yagyaraj Joshi highlighted that civil rights can only be ensured through strict adherence to the constitution. Speaking at the Constitution and National Day ceremony in Birendra Nagar, he called for unity among political parties, national service employees, and citizens to effectively implement Nepal's federal, proportional, and inclusive constitution. 

Likewise, Bagmati Provincial head Deepak Prasad Devkota said that sustaining democracy relies on connecting citizens to economic and development infrastructure. Speaking at the Constitution Day ceremony in Hetauda, he urged political parties to embrace the spirit of the Constitution and prioritise national interests over personal gain. 

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang underlined the government’s equitable budget allocation for all 13 districts, aiming to boost economic prosperity and tourism. He expressed concern over frequent leadership changes that have disappointed citizens.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah reaffirmed the active implementation of the current constitution during the Constitution Day and National Day 2024 celebrations in Sudurpashchim Province. 

He stated that the federal democratic republic has been successfully institutionalised, laying a foundation for sustainable peace and governance based on democratic values, civil liberties, and human rights.

Likewise, the National Day was observed in Madesh Province and all 77 districts throughout the country, as reported by our district correspondents.