Birgunj, February 7:

Minister for Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato said the promulgation of an ordinance to make the public service inclusive was a very important move.

Speaking at a programme organised by Reporters’ Club Nepal, Parsa, here today, he said the ordinance brought by the government to make the public services inclusive was one of the most important works done by the government so far.

He said the government introduced the ordinance to increase the access of the indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Dalit, and women in all the security bodies including the Nepal Army.

Mahato also said the ordinance brought by the government for making the state and public services inclusive should not be opposed by any Madhesi or other group. He also labelled people who opposed the ordinance as ‘criminals.’

Mahato also said the formation of local bodies through nomination was against the democratic practice, adding that such a system would only obstruct the process of institutionalisation of democracy.

He further stressed on the formation of the local bodies through election, saying that election was the most important component of democratic practice.

Meanwhile, he warned that Sadbhavana Party would pull out from the government and the Constituent Assembly if the government failed to implement the agreement

signed with the United Madhesi Democratic Front last year.

He also warned of launching intensive agitation if the agreement was not implemented within the stipulated deadline of April 23.

He also said the new constitution should address the demands of the Madhesi community.

Responding to a query on Nepal-India border disputes, Mahato said the dispute should be resolved through diplomatic channels.

“We have not encroached upon the border of any country, therefore no country should encroach upon our border,” he added.