KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala said that plans are afoot to promulgate a new constitution soon by delineating boundaries of the Pradeshes.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Nepal Engineers’ Association to mark the 53rd Engineers’ Day here on Sunday, Koirala, who is also the President of the Nepali Congress, expressed his belief that all the parties would accept the new constitution that would ensure the rights of all citizens.

“Since every political party leader is concerned about the country that has lagged behind due to political instability and absence of peace, a way out would be reached soon,” he said.

During the programme, Prime Minister Koirala said that the engineers and other technical human resources have an instrumental role in the post-quake construction and reconstruction of the nation.

Also speaking at the programme, Minister for Physical Planning and Transport Management Bimalendra Nidhi lauded the role played by the engineers in the rapid assessment of people’s houses soon after the earthquake.

Minister Nidhi also reiterated his position of promulgating the new constitution only after finalising the demarcation of the federal units.

He, however, pointed out that citizenship related provisions in the draft were discriminatory.

Minister for Energy Radha Gyawali pointed out the need and of engineers in the reconstruction of the country, adding that the future of the country too lies in the hands of the engineers.

National Planning Commission Vice-Chair Dr Govinda Pokharel and Association Chair Engineer Dhruva Raj Thapa also aired their views during the programme.