UML for seven units‚ directly-elected PM

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: After collecting feedback from its emergency central committee meeting, CPN-UML standing committee today came up with a proposal of seven federal units taking ‘collective identity’ and ‘economic capability’ into account, as outlined by the CA thematic committee on State Restructuring and Distribution of State Power.

UML standing committee meeting, held at the Constituent Assembly, proposed two federal units in Tarai-Madhes and the rest in the hills and mountains. Like NC, UML has also not suggested any names for the proposed federal units.

UML secretary Shankar Pokharel said the party has proposed that all the hilly and mountainous districts in Sagarmatha Zone and all districts in Koshi and Mechi Zones, including Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa be included in the eastern federal unit. Another federal unit has been proposed combining all hilly and mountainous districts of Janakpur and Bagmati Zones and hilly region along with Makwanpur and Chitwan districts of Narayani Zone.

Pokharel said the third federal unit or pradesh could be formed by bringing together all districts of Dhaulagiri and Gandaki Zones and hilly districts and Nawalpur area of Lumbini Zone.

Likewise, the party has proposed carving out another federal unit in the mid-west putting together Karnali Zone and hilly districts of Bheri and Rapti Zones. The fifth federal unit, as per the proposal, would include all districts of Seti and Mahakali Zones.

The party has proposed two federal units in the Tarai and Madhes. They include a federal unit covering the western plain stretching from Parasi to Bardia district and another one stretching from Parsa to Saptari district.

The UML-proposed seven federal units are similar with that of those proposed by Nepali Congress. On the forms of governance, UML has reiterated its stand on directly-elected executive PM and a ceremonial president –– to be elected by the Parliament and elected representatives of Pradesh Sabha.

The party has decided to throw its weight behind mixed electoral system –– 55 per cent parliamentarians to be elected through the first-past-the-post system and 45 per cent through proportional representation. “But we have decided that the strength of the federal parliament – Lower House and Upper House – must not exceed 300,” Pokharel said.