Hetauda, February 11

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense today called on the people to value national identity more than the identity of their community, tribe and race.

Inaugurating the national council of Nepal National Teachers’ Organisation, DPM Rawal praised the new constitution, saying it addressed the concerns of people from all groups and communities living in the country.

“There is nothing wrong in people seeking recognition and promotion of their culture, language and religion. But let me tell you that unless we protect our national identity, we cannot protect our communal identity,” he reasoned.

Stating that the new constitution incorporates the concerns of the diverse linguistic, culture and religious communities living in the country, Rawal said the charter could be amended to further address the concerns of the disgruntled groups.

“I have heard some people say that the charter was not approved by a majority when in fact we all know that it was ratified by 90 per cent of people’s representatives,” he argued.

On a different note, Rawal stressed the need to bring about reforms in the education sector. “Although the government has been spending millions of rupees, the progress has so far not been so satisfactory,” he said.