KATHMANDU, Dec 25: Accomplishing its entire task within the next one month has become a tall order for the much talked about State Restructuring Commission (SRC) as it has spent a month just on basic work such as setting up its office and holding initial discussions among members.
Formed a month ago, the SRC was initially mandated to furnish its report within two months.[break]
The commission only recently prepared a roster of 26 federal and constitutional experts and another list of seven technical experts to seek their views and technical support, and the experts are yet to get into full swing.
"This shows that the commission might not accomplish its task within the next one month," said an influential member of the commission referring anonymity.
SRC members said they are currently preparing to hire seven technical experts for a period of one month as provided for by their terms of reference (ToR). The technical experts will include subject specialists---cartographers, geographic information system (GIS) advisers and geographers, among others. The government recently decided to bear all the expenses to be incurred by the subject specialists.
"We have prepared a list of some 26 federal and constitutional experts but are yet to invite them to our meetings and receive their views on federal structure and other technical issues that surfaced during our initial meetings," said the member, adding, "This means we won´t be able to accomplish the assigned task within the next one month."
The member also spoke about the commission´s possible plan of action after one month. "We may go for either of two alternatives--first, we may submit an initial draft to the government and request an extension of term for the commission. Secondly, we will ask the government directly to extend the SRC term and we will furnish our report within the extended timeframe," he said.
Coordinator of the commission Madan Pariyar, however, said that he is fully optimistic about completing the task within the next one month. "I and my colleagues have been working round the clock to meet the deadline," he said, adding, "Time is very tight but we are fully committed to utilizing the allotted time."
Pariyar denied that the commission spent one month just doing basic things. "Don´t take it that we spent a month just setting up office," he added, "We have been able to hold important meetings and some significant tasks have gotten done so far." He, however, admitted that they are yet to hold meetings with federal and constitutional experts and take their suggestions.
Another member admitted that they could have moved ahead further had they not had to get involved in floating one demand after another to the government. Immediately after their appointment, the SRC members had sought letters of appointment at par with cabinet ministers, nine four-wheel vehicles, nine drivers, 25 desktop computers, 10 laptops, personal security officers, economic advisors, legal advisors, geographers and others.
The cabinet had decided to provide each SRC member Rs 37,000 as salary, Rs 13,000 for transport purposes and Rs 2,000 for communications, on a monthly basis.
SRC members recently met Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai and floated their demands. "Most of our demands have already been addressed," said Coordinator Pariyar, adding, "We have concentrated on the assigned task."