Two Terai-based parties have submitted their views on the new constitution to the constitutional committee Thursday proposing provisions for executive prime minister and ceremonial president.

Chairman of Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) Mahanta Thakur said the new constitution should guarantee an autonomous Madhes province while Sadbhawana Party (SP) chairman Rajendra Mahato said his party agrees with terminology that denotes southern regions like Madhes, Tharuhat, Kochila, Mithila, Lumbini etc.

Thakur did not mention the number of states that Nepal should have while Mahato proposed for three states – Himal, Pahad and Terai.

Both the parties proposed for executive prime minister elected by Lower House and ceremonial president elected by Upper House, Lower House and State Assemblies.

TMLP proposed a 300-member Lower House out of which 240 are directly elected, 40 reserved seats for backward classes and 20 nominated by government. The party sought fresh nationwide census before finalising delineation of constituencies.

Both the parties proposed for two national languages like Madhesi Janadhikar Forum. They said Hindi and Nepali should be used as common official language and the states must be given authority to decide on use of regional languages at local level.

TMLP demanded change in national flag and legal guarantee for group entry for Teraians into the national army. SP demanded citizenship and all other rights and privileges for those foreigners married to Nepalese citizens.

Other smaller parties are also in line to submit their views for the new constitution as today is the last day to submit respective party views to constitutional committee. nepalnews.com ia Apr 02 09