While seeking term extension, the SRC stated that it would need a week´s time to complete writing its report and mapping of the federal states that it would recommend to the government, said Minister for Culture, Constituent Assembly and Federal Affairs Gopal Kiranti. [break]
The government-formed SRC sent a letter to the ministry to this effect on Monday and the ministry forwarded it to the prime minister for a decision, said Kiranti.
"I met the prime minister after my ministry received the request to tell him that the government should extend the term in view of the importance of the work they are doing," said Kiranti.
In response, the prime minister said he would consult with other parties with regard to SRC´s request, said Kiranti. "But he said the Constituent Assembly calendar on constitution drafting should also be considered while taking any decision on the term extension," said Kiranti.
Leaders said that the prime minister did not raise the issue during the three-party meeting on Monday. "The issue did not feature in the meeting," said CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal, adding, "CPN-UML is yet to take a position on the term extension of the commission."
Republica´s efforts to get the Nepali Congress´ stance on the issue failed as none of the NC leaders who can talk authoritatively on the issue were available for comments.
The commission was formed on November 23, 2011 with a mandate to recommend a federal model for the country within two months to the government.
The SRC requested for its term extension though its coordinator Madan Pariyar had said in public that the commission would submit its report to the government within the given deadline. Pariyar was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.
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