"We would like to request all donor countries to use government channels for their support and firmly recognize the national leadership and ownership in development efforts rather than channeling such precious resources through non-transparent agencies, NGOs and other entities, for there is a high possibility of such support being used in unproductive sector in an unaccounted and non-transparent manner," Thapa said in his briefing to the diplomatic community on the current political situation in Nepal. The breifing was held in Kathmandu, Tuesday.
"Moreover, in the absence of a proper mechanism for ensuring accountability, such method is likely to foster corrupt practices and the misuse of precious resources for unwanted activities," Thapa said.
Stating that the government is serious about the reconstruction of infrastructures, both public and private, damaged by the earthquakes, he informed the international representatives that with the passage of the Reconstruction Authority Act by parliament and the appointment of a chief executive officer, the reconstruction authority has begun its work.
While appreciating the support received from neighbouring countries and development partners as well as other friendly countries for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction, Thapa requested more support for accomplishing the vital tasks of the reconstruction.
Thapa informed the Kathmandu-based diplomatic community that both the issues related to the supply crisis resulting from the blockade and the disputes with the agitating Madhesi parties are going to be resolved soon.
He said that the supply situation is now gradually improving and that all border check-points, except Raxaul-Birgunj, are now operational. "Still, as Raxaul-Birgunj is the major point of entry of goods, the impact of the situation will linger as long as this check-point is not made fully operational."
He, however, was quick to add that the continued disruption of supplies, especially medicines and food, might lead to a humanitarian crisis and that the government has conveyed this concern to the relevant authorities of the Indian government.
"I hope the supply situation will come back to normal with resumption of all border check-points within a few days," he said.
The deputy prime minister, who also heads the government team for talks with the agitating Madhesi parties, claimed that dialogue by his team and other high-level discussions have yeilded positive results towards resolving differences with the agitating parties.
The government has already tabled a bill to amend the constitution as per the dissident parties' demands and the amendment aims at addressing the demands for proportional inclusiveness in state organs and delineation of the electoral constituencies on the basis of population, while maintaining at least one seat in each geographical district, he said.
Though the talks team is yet to formally ink a deal with the agitating parties, Thapa informed the diplomats about their agreement with regard to the demarcation of provinces. "It has been agreed that a high-level mechanism including representatives of major political parties and agitating parties will be formed which will submit its report within three months," said Thapa in his written speech. "The government is hopeful that the problems would be resolved soon once and for all. In this regard, we take the statement of the Government of India on this amendment proposal as an encouraging and positive gesture."
Thapa also explained at length how imperative it had become to promulgate a new constitution in September last year as the eight year-long process had already been painfully prolonged.
He described the progressive, inclusive and democratic features of the constitution to the diplomatic representatives.
"Under the right to social justice, it has been stipulated that socially backward groups and communities shall have the right to employment in state structures and public service on the basis of the principle of inclusion," he said describing the inclusive features. "Separate Dalit, Indigenous, Madesi, Tharu and Muslim Commissions have also been provisioned in this constitution to protect rights and welfare of the respective communities."
Related story
Book by Ujwal Thapa ‘Why Nepal?’ released
