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Federal structure for Nepal

Ameet Dhakal

KATHMANDU: Nepal's interim Parliament on Friday passed a bill to amend the interim Constitution, paving the way for establishing a federal structure of governance in the country.

The amendment, which came 54 days after the promulgation of the interim statute, also promised to grant proportional representation in all state organs to the Madhesis, Dalits, ethnic groups and people from backward classes.

The bill, ratified by 278 votes in the 330-member Parliament, also aims at forming a Constituency Delimitation Commission to revise the existing electoral constituencies. The commission will be headed by a retired Supreme Court justice.

Five lawmakers voted against the amendment while the rest abstained.

Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula said the Government would table a second amendment to the interim Constitution once the talks going on with various agitating groups reached a logical end.

"The next amendment will accommodate the legitimate demands of the various groups," said Mr. Sitaula.

The amendment, according to political observers, has also paved way for formation of the interim government.

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