Nepal Cabinet meeting postponed on ordinance issue

Kathmandu, Feb 5 (ANI): The Nepal cabinet meeting has been postponed for the third consecutive time as the ruling coalition partners remained divided on whether to promulgate new ordinances.

The Cabinet meeting was supposed to promulgate at least two new ordinances -- on constituting a high-level commission on the disappeared and bringing changes in social behaviour -- apart from the previously approved three ordinances.

All ministers, who gathered at the Prime Minister's office returned after three hours without holding a formal meeting.

Minister for State Restructuring Gopal Kiranti said the meeting was postponed as UML General Secretary Jhala Nath Khanal raised serious objections against the government move to introduce ordinances without holding consultation among the ruling parties.

"Khanal telephoned the Prime Minister saying that his party would not accept both the previously promulgated ordinances and new ordinances to be endorsed by the Cabinet," he added. Besides, the Madheshi Janadhikar Forum and Sadbhavana Party -- also asked the Prime Minister to ensure proportional representation of Madheshis in all state organs in accordance with past pacts reached between the then government and an alliance of the Madhesh-based parties last year.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place today evening, Kantipur reported. (ANI)