KATHMANDU, Nov 28: The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has agreed to the proposal of splitting the Province-5 through an amendment to the constitution. 

A meeting of NC office-bearers and former office-bearers on Monday gave a go-ahead for forming a province stretching from Nawalparasi in the east to Bardiya in the west. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Bimalendra Nidhi told Republica Online that an agreement has been reached to merge the hilly districts of the province to Province-4 and 6.

The meeting concluded that other issues related to the demarcation of the provinces should be settled through a Federal Commission, according to Nidhi.

On citizenship, the largest party in the parliament said that a naturalized citizenship to a woman marrying a Nepali man can be provided after she relinquishes her initial citizenship. NC is mum on whether to allow naturalized citizens to hold key state positions or not. The meeting failed to come up with a decision on the prickly issue. 

The meeting further agreed to forge an official opinion on the languages of official business only after the Language Commission submits its report.

On formation of National Assembly, NC said that there should an equal representation of three of four members from all the seven provinces and remaining members should be selected on the basis of population.

The meeting further decided that the constitution amendment proposal should be filed as per the three-point deal inked with United Democratic Madhesi Front (UMDF). However, NC said that attempts for an accord should be made with UDMF, UML and other concerned sides on when to file the proposal for changes in the constitution.
    

 
• splitting province-5
 
• nepali congress