The five-member subcommittee has proposed two alternative federal models. One model proposes 14 provinces -- Khaptad, Karnali, Tharuhat, West Madhes (Lumbini), Magarat, Tamuwan, Tamsaling, Newa, Sunkoshi, Kirat, Limbuwan, Madhes and Birat -- while the other six provinces. The states proposed in the second model are Karnali, Gandaki, Sagarmatha, Srijanga, Lumbini (Bhawar) and Simraungadh (Janakpur). [break]
At a committee meeting on Sunday, most of the members of the UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-UML supported the 14-province model. Stating that the six-province model wouldn´t address the concerns raised by several ethnic, indigenous as well as other groups, they maintained that despite some faults the six-province model was relatively better and inclusive.
NC Vice President Gopal Man Shrestha argued that the 14-province model may invite further conflict and chaos in the country. He said the six-province model can be finalized after reviewing and making some improvements. Shrestha suggested that State Restructuring Commission as stated in the constitution be formed and entrust the body with the task of state demarcation.
While replying to members´ queries, Coordinator of the subcommittee, Hit Man Shakya, said there was no chance of backtracking from the idea of entrusting the commission with the task of delineating states.
Madhes-based parties for two provinces
Many members from Madhes-based political parties criticized both the models blaming the major political parties of trying to divide Madhes into several provinces. The six-province model has divided the southern part of the country into two parts while the 14-province model has divided it into four provinces. Madhes-based parties have been demanding one autonomous state.
However, Ram Kumar Sharma of UCPN-Maoist and Ram Chandra Jha of CPN-UML suggested that the whole Madhes range be divided into two provinces: one west of Chitwan or Nawalparasi district and another east of the same point. “The idea of making two provinces covering the whole the Tarai region is much scientific and addresses the spirit of Madhes movement as well,” Jha said. Sharma claimed that leaders from other Madhes-based parties would also support the idea.
Lucky Sherpa of CPN-UML demanded that a separate state be carved out to represent Himalayan communities. But Pratibha Rana of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), who is also a member of the subcommittee, claimed that such a move could encourage other communities to raise similar demands.
Shakya and Narahari Acharya of NC, another member of the subcommittee, said the two models were representative of the 22 models presented by the political parties. There were clearly two trends: almost half of the maps were in line with carving out up to eight states while other proposals were in favor of at least more than 11 provinces, Acharya said. Though the NC didn´t submit any proposal, Acharya presented two alternative models -- one with 13 and other with 6 provinces -- in the capacity of the committee´s member.
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