A key leader of the hard-line faction of the UCPN (Maoist) Gajurel said some of the crucial points in the deal can´t be implemented.[break]
He also questioned the points on settling the proposed and pending issues with neighboring countries. “What are those proposed issues yet to be resolved?” Gajurel said while addressing the parliament meeting on Thursday. “Nepal and India are yet to sign the treaties on extradition and on allowing Indian air marshals.
The status of Nepal will not even be on par with Bhutan once these two treaties are signed.”
He objected to the wordings “inclusive democratic republic” used in the deal. “It is not in line with our party´s policy which advocates people´s federal republic. Therefore it is not acceptable to us,” he said.
Gajurel said the provision on right to property was also unacceptable. The provision states there will be no infringement, in any form, on the property legally owned by any individual. “Such a provision is unacceptable even to the Nepali Congress, let alone to a communist party like ours,” he explained.
He also criticized the provision on recruiting 10,000 youths from Madhesi communities in the Nepal Army. “If so, what about the youths from Limbu, Tharu or other communities?”
On the return of property seized by the Maoists, Gajurel said the properties can be returned only after the government provides an alternative to those who are using it.
Gajurel also criticized the government decision to hand over the keys of the arms containers to the Special Committee without first settling thorny issues of integration.
Demand for 33 pc women in cabinet
Lawmakers from the ruling as well as opposition parties fiercely criticized the PM for not appointing at least 33 percent women ministers.
Lawmakers Gajurel and Damakumari Sharma from the prime minister´s party came down heavily on the party leaders for not abiding by the constitutional provision to this effect.
Also, lawmakers from NC, CPN UML, among others, criticized the leaders for failing to give an inclusive form to the government.
While the Interim Constitution has made it mandatory for the political parties to be inclusive, the reinstated parliament, prior to the CA election in 2008, had endorsed a stricture making it mandatory to ensure 33 percent representation of women in all the government bodies.
Speaker draws govt attention
Following the lawmakers´ objection, Speaker Subas Nembang drew the government´s attention toward the issue. “It is our commitment to ensure 33 percent of women representation in the government. Therefore, I draw the government´s attention toward the issue,” said the speaker.
He also drew the government´s attention toward lawmakers´ concern over government´s apathy in providing compensation to quake victims. “I direct the government to submit all the details in the next House meeting,” the speaker said.
The next House meeting is scheduled for October 13.
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