Statute by Jan 22 is impossible: Finance Minister

KATHMANDU, Dec 28. Minister for the Finance Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat has ruled out promulgation of the constitution by January 22.

Speaking at the interaction program organized by the Reporters Club Nepal on Sunday , Minister Mahat said if parties can finalise disputed issues of the constitution by the date, it will be a great achievement.

The Minister also demanded that the Constituent Assembly (CA) begin voting process to endorse the statute if major parties fail to forge consensus within a couple of days. A constitution can also be delivered without mentioning anything about disputed issues, Mahat suggested at the program presided by the Club’s President Rishi Dhamala.

“The Constituent Assembly can issue the statute with a provision that the Pradesh Sabha names Pradeshes and decides their borders,” he added.

He reiterated ruling parties’ stance that the fewer Pradeshes the better, and all Pradeshes should connect hilly and Tarai regions. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister said the Tanahun Hydropower Project development will begin soon.

“Parties have already agreed to clear way for the project development,” he said.