Vox Pop: 'Development should be priority now'

Saturday's discussion between the major political parties, which among others, agreed on forming six federal states has received varied response from the general public.

Some have taken the agreement as an achievement that succeeded in resolving longstanding political deadlock on the issue, while some others are pointing out shortcomings in it. On Sunday, Republica reached out for accessing views on the agreement and what impact is it perceived to have on drafting the new constitution. Excerpts:

Sudarsan Subedi
President, National Federation of Disabled Nepal

Agreement to have six federal states might have pleased some and angered some but we are happy that the agreement has finally brought the deadlock to an end. Our demands have been addressed. Political leaders have agreed to guarantee our fair representation in the new federal set up. People with disabilities would now have opportunity to compete in elections. We are happy about it, but we would certainly like to press for better facilities for disabled people in the days ahead. Everyone has equal right to live with dignity. But this does not mean that the all issues have been resolved. For instance there are issues on gender equality to be addressed. There is always room for improvement but for now the main thing is to focus on developing the country.

Biplob Acharya
President of Inclusive empowerment of people with disabilities (IEPD)

It seems that we are really going have the new constitution soon. I am glad with the latest development. I believe the new constitution is going to be more inclusive as leaders have agreed to secure adequate representation for us in the upper house. Now our demand is ensuring social security and to form a separate commission for the disabled people. I would like to welcome the latest development, though there are issues still unaddressed. Nepalis have waited patiently for a long time for a fully inclusive and equal society and we look forward that the new constitution will not have any loopholes for the opportunists to exploit.

Chandrakishore, Terai based political analyst

The state has breached past agreements reached with Madhesi parties while delineating the six provinces. It seems that major political parties feared that Madhes might emerge as a stronger state. I don't mean to say that there should be just one province in Madhes. Two federal states in madhes on the basis of geography, population and identity would have paved way for strong national integration.

The provinces are delineated without considering resources required for balanced national development. The districts included in the Madhes provinces are already plagued with various problems. These problems can affect the province more acutely in the days ahead and than people will realize that the decision of province was not in their favor.

Subarna Prasad Kapali, 50, Project Manager, CRT/N, Sanepa

Country's political situation has been in a massive chaos since ages. Dividing the nation into six federal states has at least brought a consensus among the parties, which shows signs of the constitutional assembly going ahead with drafting the new constitution. But, I fear proper execution of the new model. Nepal is trying something totally new, something beyond our history. It seems to be another effort to copy development model from our developed neighbors. We don't have proper base for like India does. Details of available resources and border delineations of states are still missing. This is also one of the major reasons behind clashes between various ethnic groups. Considering our population, implementing capacity and historical, ecological and geographical divisions, it feels we are indeed taking risk.

Shanta Bhattarai
Maharajgunj, housemaid

I haven't really understood the concept of federalism and don't really find it's needed in Nepal. But, it's good to know that parties have put aside their differences and finally agreed on this topic. Although six states is still a big number, it is acceptable than having seven or eight states. I hope there won't be any more hassles on this issue. If this helps in getting constitution early then it must be good. What I wait for is development. No matter how many states or districts we have, what people long for is job and healthy livelihood. Our people are going abroad for employment, it should be stopped.

Bhawana KC
Kavre, tempo driver

I didn't know leaders had agreed upon the six-state structure overnight. But since that has happened then it must be good. I guess this has brought us one step closer to getting the new constitution. I hope that they won't delineate federal states in such a way that one district is divided into two different states. And if we have headquarters then they should make it at a place which is accessible to all the people of that region. Many people must be thinking whether the leaders are capable of handling the new set up of the country. I am also little bit apprehensive of this.

Sangmo Yonjan Tamang, a master's student

I consider the recent decision in delineating the country in six federal states as a cunning move to dissolve the notion of identity and the rights of indigenous and marginalized people.

The current move of the lawmakers and the noted leaders show no respect to the voices and the struggle of indigenous communities, who have been struggling for their identity for years on. When the country has already entered a federal democratic system, where can we find the voices of marginalized and indigenous communities supported? Despite including their identity in the making of the new Nepal, leaders are adamant on brushing aside all our issues and concerns.