Nepalese in Vancouver, Canada Interact with the Chairperson of Fundamental Rights & Directive Principle Committee, of Constituent Assembly of Nepal

Written by Ms. Anu Rai, Vancouver

Ms. Anupama Rai emphasised the necessity of dual citizenship for NRN. She talked about the mutual benefits of dual citizenship for Nepal and NRN such as co-operations in social, financial, economic, tourism and environment sectors, knowledge transfer, preservation of Nepali language and culture and other

Talking about the development in Constitution writing Hon. Ms. Binda Pandey informed that the citizenship issue is a very sensitive issue and should be addressed with caution. All the parties have agreed to include some rights and responsibilities of NRN in the new Constitution as such provision of economic, cultural and social rights. However, the political rights will not be provided. She explained that the provision of political rights is a very critical issue because of various reasons including geo-political situation of the country. She also explained that the existing discrepancies in the existing NRN regulations would be rectified. The Nepalese passport, long visa etc. might be provided for NRN through amending the once, after promulgation of new constitution.

She also talked about the development of Constitution writing process. She informed that the Constitution would be written within the extended timeframe. They explained how the parliamentarians of new generation are pursuing national leaders to expedite the process. Some of the pressing issues such as form of governance, state restructuring, electoral system, separation of power, judiciary systems, pluralism, ethnic issues etc. of the Constitution, have to be resolved yet.

The audience raised the issues relevant to NRN including some ambiguities in NRN regulations, dual citizenship, delay in Constitution writing process and other current political issues.

Hon. Mr. Bishnu Rimal clarified some of the issues raised by audience and explained about the current political situations and the Constitution. He talked about the process of Constitution writing, work and responsibilities of Committees of Constituent Assembly, state restructuring, ethnic issues etc.

Hon. Ms. Binda Pandey answered some of the questions from the audience and once again clarified that her committee is working very hard to include provision of NRN in the Constitution for the benefit of Nepal and NRN, however, all parties have agreed not to include political rights at this stage.

She also requested NRN to come forward with the positive feedbacks and the constructive criticism so that it will help the political parties and members of Constituent Assembly to come together and write the Constitution in time for the benefit of Nepal and Nepalese.

Mr. Laxman Basnet also talked about the current political situation of Nepal.

In the conclusion, on behalf of NCSBC and NRN Canada the President of NCSBC thanked guests for taking their valuable time and explaining the provision of NRN in the Constitution and the current political situation of Nepal. He also thanked the participants for attending the interaction program and Surrey Temple Committee for providing the space for the meeting.