NC Policy & Programme adopted

January 22, 2001
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Pokhara, Jan. 22 : The closed door session of the 10th Nepali Congress General Convention approved the party’s policy and programmes this morning.

According to the policy and programmes, the Nepali Congress is a party having unswerving faith and trust in multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy and the present constitution is the coveted goal of the party’s more than 50 years of tireless struggle.

It is but natural that any constitution needs to be amended from time to time according to the changing times and on the basis of prescribed constitutional procedures, the party said in its policy and programmes document adding, the party, however, firmly believes that the constitution contains some irreversible fundamental aspects which are indispensable for national unity, integrity, the freedom of the people and their overall interest and progress.

Stating that some elements are out to finish off the present constitution obtained through the sacrifices made by the Nepalese, the NC document has stressed the need to probe the intentions of such elements which are decrying the constitution, which for the first time made the people sovereign, guaranteed an atmosphere of justice, equality, co-existence and freedom and laid the foundation for the equal progress of different sectors, classes, communities and ethnic groups in order to maintain the country’s national unity and integrity.

Elements which are against political freedom, social justice and national unity have not been able to countenance the present constitution, the document said adding, the Nepali Congress has been struggling against such elements ever since its founding.

Today’s political battle is a battle between those who are working for the protection of nationalism, democracy and the ideals of socialism and those who are against all these things, a battle between the parliamentary system and authoritarianism, the paper said.

The Nepali Congress believes that the intention of the group that has been perpetrating violence and terror in the name of the Maoists has become clear to the entire nation, it further said adding, the constitution has been their main target and the Nepali Congress clearly understands that the group is, cunningly, raising the issue of a constitutional assembly with the intention of curtailing the people’s sovereign rights. The party wants to make the people understand this (hidden) agenda, it further said.

The magnitude of the barbaric excesses being committed by some elements in the country is too great to compare with any such excesses committed in history, the paper said.

Nepali Congress workers have been the main target of the Maoists while members of other parties and the common people have also fallen prey to their violence, the document further said adding, it is not only the Nepali Congress but also all political parties having faith in democracy and the present constitution and the conscious citizenry which should collectively resist this tendency to put paid to democracy.

The government should, on its part, activate and strengthen the security agencies for the protection of people’s lives and property, the NC said in its document and called for cooperation from all sides for implementing the programme announced by the NC to mobilise party workers as part of a peace campaign.

The Nepali Congress wants dialogue even with those who are opposed to its ideology, and to promote healthy competition and work together with all on the basis of a minimum agreement. The party is always in favour of regular dialogue with all political forces including the main opposition party, it is also stated.

The Nepali Congress had kept its doors open for the resolution of problems through dialogue even with those who are resorting to violence in the name of Maoist activity.

Integrity: Likewise, the Nepali Congress has noted that meaningful creativity on the part of the parliamentary party and the role and responsibility fulfilled by MPs constitute one of the main bases for building the public image of the party.

According to the policy and programmes document approved by the 10th general convention of the party, concrete policy and guidelines will be formulated for the distribution of parliamentary tickets with a view to effective enforcement of the party’s image building policy.

The party hopes that this will enhance the effectiveness of the role played by MPs in parliament, the interest shown by MPs in the evaluation of bills and other reports presented in parliament, regular presence at designated meetings and well prepared participation over issues concerned, collection of relevant information and subject knowledge for parliamentary discussion and mobilisation of facilities provided by the state in the service of the public.

In this regard the dynamism of the parliamentary party and different subject committees will be increased.

A strong policy has also been formulated to evaluate the sense of responsibility and work execution of MPs and their character and association with various sectors of civil society during their term in Parliament.

When it comes to distribution of tickets to ex-MPs the parliamentary board will make an assessment on basis of the annual report presented by the chief whip and the secretary of the parliamentary party, according to the policy and programmes of the party.