KATHMANDU: Top-notch leaders of four major political forces have expressed commitment to promulgate the new constitution within August 16 by incorporating suggestions of the people.

A meeting of the top leaders of Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, UCPN-Maoist and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic held today at the Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subas Nembang’s office has given responsibility to CA Chairman to make a fresh CA calendar for the same.

The leaders also agreed to revise the preliminary draft of Nepal's Constitution 2072 to incorporate people's feedback by fulfilling rules and process formulated by the CA for constitution writing.

The preliminary draft of the new constitution was prepared on the basis of 16-point agreement signed among major political parties on June 8, 2015.

The parties have been suggested to ensure religious freedom, determine educational qualification of candidates in the elections, directly-elected executive head and guarantee of equal participation of women in every sector among others.

After the collection of public opinion in the preliminary draft of the constitution, the major political parties are under duress to accommodate some vital suggestions in the constitution.

Talking to media after the meeting, Nembang said, “I have told the leaders that it is appropriate to promulgate the constitution on August 16. They have agreed on it and have pledged to move ahead accordingly and extend support.”

He said that the efforts to accommodate the people’s feedback would be made till the last minute and it would not be limited to just a formality.

Likewise, UCPN-Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the people’s feedback should be respected by incorporating in the new constitution.

He said, “We should revise the preliminary draft of the constitution. We have agreed to give due importance to the people’s suggestions.”

Dahal added that the CA Chairman was urged to make the new calendar for promulgating the constitution by mid-August by giving priority to the concerns raised by Madeshi, indigenous and remote areas.

Likewise, Nepali Congress chief whip Chinkaji Shrestha said that most of the issues would be finalised at the political level and constitution would be promulgated by mid-August without taking long time in the Constitutional Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee of the CA.

“Parties have agreed to move ahead by incorporating good and constructive suggestions coming from the citizens,” the NC leader said.

Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and other top leaders of the major political parties were present at the meeting.