Where does 8-Pradesh federal model stand, wonder experts

KATHMANDU: Experts and members of the erstwhile State Restructuring Commission (SRC) have commented that the eight-Pradesh model proposed for the federal set-up under the new constitution is abstract and lacks any solid theoretical base.

The first draft of new constitution, which is being discussed by the Constituent Assembly (CA) after collecting people’s feedback on it, has proposed to have eight Pradeshes in the nation once the new statute gets promulgated.

Speaking at an interaction in the Capital on Sunday, member of the dissolved Commission, Krishna Hachhethu, said the CA should have revealed theoretical base behind the model than the number of states.

“Instead of fixing a number,” Hachhethu said, “We need to think over why we are adopting federalism.”

The announcement of the number has only intensified doubts if federalism will be implemented, he claimed.

Urging political parties to delineate state boundaries at the earliest, he said they can do so within three days if they have willpower for the task.

Another SRC member Ramesh Dhungel suggested that the parties should have done a better homework before announcing federalism.

Though Hachhethu had claimed that federalism cannot be put to vote in a referendum, Dhungel said the issue can be put to vote in order to solve the dispute.

Another member Sharvaraj Khadka said it is better to promulgate the constitution after fixing the borders as they are most significant aspects of federalism.

He also warned that a new constitution may invite further conflicts. Khadka also seconded Dhungel regarding if federalism can be put to vote in referendum.

Likewise, another member Surendra Mahato said the CA should explain why the delineation could not be finalised now.

He also suggested forming a federal commission to fix boundaries of the states immediately.