NC, UML to form task force soon to amend constitution

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 25: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that the government will initiate efforts for constitution amendment by forming a mechanism within a few days.

Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Lekhak said that the strengths and weaknesses of the constitution observed during a decade of practice will be reviewed to make necessary amendments.

"We are immediately forming a joint task force of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML in the government to begin discussions on constitution amendments," he said.

Home Minister Lekhak clarified that the amendments will not weaken inclusiveness, but will rather strengthen it further.

"We will review the strengths and weaknesses observed during the 10 years of the constitution’s implementation," he said. "We will make contemporary modifications to the constitution."

Lekhak, who is also a leader of the Nepali Congress, emphasised that constitution amendments cannot be determined by the decision of just one party. "Even if the two parties agree, it’s not enough. We will start discussions, review the constitution, and identify key issues," he said. "We will move forward step by step," he claimed. 

He also clarified that the amendment process will involve dialogue and consultation with all political parties, reaching a consensus on identified issues before amending the constitution.

"Constitution amendment will not happen overnight, and the purpose of amending the constitution is not to weaken inclusiveness but to make it stronger," he said.

Home Minister Lekhak reiterated the government's commitment to building a federal democratic republican system of governance with an inclusive character.

He also assured that the rights of Dalits would be safeguarded in accordance with the spirit of the constitution.