Addressing participants, who had come to offer their feedback on the draft constitution in his home-district Dang on Tuesday, Koirala expressed his commitment to replace the proposed provision on citizenship with a new one guaranteeing citizenship through either father or mother."I have learnt that people from several quarters have expressed dissatisfaction over the proposed citizenship provisions on citizenship in the draft constitution. Rest assured that the word 'and' will be replaced with 'or' in the citizenship related provisions to ensure gender equality."
Dissatisfied participants welcomed his remark.
Prime Minster Koriala further said, "Many people are complaining that the proposed provisions on citizenship are discriminatory. Women will be given high priority as a majority of women have shown dissatisfaction over the proposed provision and have suggested guaranteeing citizenship either through father or mother.
He said the proposed provisions on citizenship in the draft constitution will be amended based on suggestions received from across the country.
He also urged women participants not to worry just because of the proposed provisions related to citizenship in the draft constitution requires the name of both father and mother. He also vowed to take public feedback to the Constituent Assembly and include the suggestions in the new constitution. "Public feedback will first be submitted to related CA committees. The constitution is yours. The new constitution will be drafted the way you (public) want it. There is no doubt about that. I am overwhelmed to see massive public participation in the feedback process," he said.
Likewise, Prime Minister Koirala assured the locals that Dang would be made a provincial capital. He also said that the new constitution will be issued by taking dissident political parties into confidence. He said all religions will be equally respected in the new constitution.
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