KATHMANDU, Oct 20: The UCPN (Maoist) has come up with a clear map for the proposed federal system, with 11 provinces based on ethnic identity.
The Maoist-proposed provinces are Limbuwan, Kirant, Tamsaling, Newaa, Tamuwan, Magaraat, Bheri-Karnali, Seti-Mahakali, Tharuwan, Madhes and Kochila. The party has come up with a clear stance on federalism while the other major political parties, including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, are yet to make their stand lucid on the key contentious issues.[break]
The Maoist party said it has proposed the latest model mainly on the basis of the reports prepared separately by the then CA thematic committee on state restructuring and the government-formed high-level commission on state restructuring, before the dissolution of the CA.
It has taken identity of ethnicity, language and region; and viability of economic interdependence, infrastructural development, natural resources and administrative accessibility as the major bases for delineation of provinces.
Populist programs
- To increase per capita income to 1,400 USD in next five yrs, 3,000 USD in 10 yrs, 10,700 USD in 20 yrs and 40,000 in 40 yrs
- Employment for all youths in the next 15 years
- End absolute poverty in the next 15 years
- Distribution of land for free to poor peasants, freed kamaiyas and landless squatters.
- End of load-shedding in next three years
- Free education up to grade 12 for all
- Free basic health services for all citizens
Apart from the 11 provinces, the party has proposed delineation of special autonomous regions, autonomous regions and protected areas based on the dominant presence of specific communities in certain areas. It has announced delineation of special autonomous regions for the Sherpa and Bhote Lama, and autonomous regions for Kumal, Rajbanshi, Sunuwar, Majhi, Danuwar, Chepang, Santhal-Satar, Ghangad-Urau-Jhangad, Thami, Dhimal, Yakkha, Darai, Thakali, Pahari, Chhantel, Baraam, Jirel, Dura, Meche, Lepcha, Byasi, Hyalmo and others, as and when deemed necessary.
Unveiling its election manifesto, the party announced it is to adopt a system of governance with an executive president to be elected directly by the people, and a parliament-elected prime minister, under the new constitution.
As per the Maoist-proposed mixed model, the president will enjoy major executive powers while the prime minister will be responsible for “overseeing day-to-day governance and running the administration”.
“The president will play the role of head of state, head of the army and executive chief,” reads the manifesto unveiled in Kathmandu on Saturday. Both the president and prime minister can remain in office for no more than two full terms.
The party has argued that the presidential system has become imperative to ensure stability and good governance.
As per the Maoist proposal, there will be a bicameral parliament at the center. “In the Lower House, the representatives will be elected based on population while the Upper House will have equal representation from all the provinces,” it said. The provinces will have unicameral legislatures.
The party is for adopting an electoral system with a multi-member constituency model, with a plan to ensure proportional representation of ethnic groups, women, dalits and marginalized communities.
On judiciary, it has proposed three tiers of courts, such as Federal Supreme Court, High Court in the provinces and district/local courts.
On national security, the party has announced it is to introduce a system of conscription, with a mandatory provision for military training for all citizens above 18 years who are in good health.
The party has announced several populist programs to be implemented if the UCPN (Maoist) secures a clear majority in the election.
It has promised to increase the present 721 US Dollar per capita income to 1,400 USD in the next five years, to 3,300 USD in 10 years, 10,700 in 20 years and 40,000 in the next 40 years.
It has claimed it is to ensure employment for all youths in the country and declare an end to unemployment in the next 15 years. Similarly, it has claimed it is to end absolute poverty in the next 15 years.
The party has announced it is to introduce a revolutionary land-reform policy, seize land above ceiling from landlords and distribute it free to poor peasants, freed kamaiyas and landless squatters, among others. “To establish land as an important means of production, keeping land barren will be banned,” it said.
On energy sector, the party has promised to end load-shedding within the next three years. It has promised to generate 10,000 MW of electricity in the next 10 years, 25,000 MWs in the next 20 years and 45,000 MWs in the next 40 years.
On education, the party is committed to ensuring free education up to grade 12 for all. Students from Karnali and other backward areas, and dalits, marginalized communities and those from below the poverty line will be given free education at all levels.
The party has assured it is to provide basic health services for free for all citizens. It has said people from backward regions including Karnali, and dalits, marginalized communities, children below the age of 15 and elderly people above 70, and those sustaining injuries during the popular movements and the Maoist insurgency will be ensured free services for all types of health complications.
Asked if the manifesto was not too ambitious to implement in practice, UCPN (Maoist) leader Baburam Bhattarai claimed that it was achievable. “Asian countries such as Korea and Singapore, which were similar to Nepal in the near past, have proved it. Why not us? We can achieve it in a decade,” said Bhattarai. “During my tenure as finance minister, I implemented some economic programs, which other parties believed were not feasible.
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