The Constituent Assembly (CA) has formally entered into the constitution-drafting process with the Constitutional Committee, the most important CA panel, opening debate on the drafting process.

On the right track now: Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subas Chandra Nemwang (2nd from right) administers oath of office and secrecy to the members of main Constitutional Committee amid a ceremony in Singha Durbar, Tuesday, Dec 16 08. Top leaders including Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress president GP Koirala (absent at the ceremony], UML general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal are in the committee. The formation of CA committees is considered to be the start of statute-drafting process. nepalnews.com/rh

On the right track now: Chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subas Chandra…
The first meeting of the Constitutional Committee was held soon after its members were administered oath of office and secrecy by CA Chairman Subas Nemwang at Singha Durbar on Tuesday.

Members said the meeting chaired by the eldest member of the committee K.B Gurung – since the chairperson is yet to be elected – mainly discussed the procedures of statute-drafting.

The 61-member panel comprises key leaders of the political parties represented in the CA including Prime Minister and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, CPN (UML) general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal, coordinator of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Upendra Yadav, and president of Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party, Mahantha Thakur.

While most of the members were present at the swearing-in ceremony, NC president Koirala remained absent due to bad health.

Briefly speaking to reporters after the committee’s meeting, PM Dahal said the formation of CA committees and the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee were a clear indication that new constitution would be drafted right on time. “It’s a proof that the CA is committed to complete the drafting process on time,” he said.

Likewise, CA chairman Nemwang described the committee’s meeting as a crucial development as all the parties have cooperated in kick-starting the drafting process, and expressed confidence that new constitution would be written within the stipulated time. nepalnews.com mk Dec 16 08