No preparation yet for provincial meet

Dhangadi, December 15

With the successful completion of the provincial and parliamentary polls, speculations have started about places that could be the temporary capital of Province 7.

Though finalising the name of the province and its capital falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial assembly, prior to the formation of any provincial government, the central government is expected to fix the provincial capital on a temporary basis until the provincial assembly meets.

According to Regional Administrator Laxmiraj Poudel, there has been no circular till date from the centre as to where the first meeting of the provincial assembly will be held. “As the government has not fixed the temporary provincial capital, apparently there are no preparations regarding venue for provincial assembly meeting,” he said, adding that a report had been sent to the centre mentioning government structures in Kailali’s Dhangadi and Doti’s Dipayal potentially suitable to hold the meeting.

“Preparations for the provincial assembly meeting can only begin after the government fixes the provincial capital,” he clarified.

As per the statutory provision, the first meeting of provincial assembly must meet within 30 days of the election. While many favour Dhangadi or Attariya of Kailali as the provincial capital, others are wary of locating provincial headquarters near the border.