Nepal Constituent Assembly debate on statute-drafting procedure

Kathmandu, Dec 17 (ANI): The Constituent Assembly (CA) of Nepal has formally entered into the constitution-drafting process with the Constitutional Committee, the most important CA panel, opening debate on the drafting process.

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.

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

Briefly speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prachanda said the formation of Constituent Assembly 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 Constituent Assembly is committed to complete the drafting process on time," he added.

Similarly, 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 reported. (ANI)