Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bam Dev Gautam has said the government was committed to promulgating an inclusive, proportional, and democratic constitution within January 22.
Opening the People’s SAARC Regional Convergence amidst a program here Saturday, Minister Gautam stressed the need to draft a new constitution within the stipulated date to establish political stability and durable peace and thereby lead the country towards economic progression.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been a model in view of democratic practices despite poverty, scarcity, and various kinds of discrimination, he said while pledging to ensure a successful 18th Summit in Nepal.
The Deputy Prime Minister further said constitutional provision for equal participation of women, Madeshi, Dalits, Muslims, and suppressed classes would be ensured in every state apparatus in proportion to their population.
NGO Federation Nepal Chairperson Sharmila Kakri stressed the need to enforce SAARC declarations. Issues relating to disability, practices of untouchability, women trafficking, rape, child labor exploitation, and unemployment should be discussed in the upcoming SAARC summit, she said.
South Asian Dalit Rights Forum Chairperson Diwakar Pawal said caste-based discrimination including untouchability is a common problem of the region and it should be ended through collective efforts among SAARC members.
The three-day conference is expected to discuss various contemporary (around 80) issues including child exploitation, women violence, unemployment, and untouchability associated with the SAARC member states.
Representatives from all SAARC member countries are taking part in the conference. RSS
