Ramechhap, September 13

Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Hitraj Pandey today said holding the election to local bodies was the government’s top priority.

Inaugurating the 10th District Assembly of Nepal Red Cross Society, Ramechhap Chapter in Manthali, Minister Pandey said, “The government is working to conduct the elections for local bodies by taking all the parties into confidence for implementing the new constitution.”

Stating that the management of earthquake victims, the conclusion of the peace process, and economical and infrastructural development of the country were the major responsibilities of the incumbent government, Pandey informed that deliberations were under way between the leaders of the three major political parties to settle the disputes relating to the demarcation and the nomenclature of the newly-carved provinces.

Pandey expressed confidence that the dispute seen with regard to the village assembly and municipal assembly would be settled soon.

“Since a village assembly will have up to 70 staffers, the assembly will be free and independent” Pandey added.

Minister Pandey argued that the village assembly was in favour of the general people as it could formulate laws

and implement them on its own.