Cater To Rural Areas

Following the announcement of the date for elections to the constituent assembly, debate on restructuring of the state has gathered speed and momentum. Colloquiums and symposiums have been organized to elicit opinions on issues involved on the subject and clarify how different approaches and perspectives on state restructuring relate and contradict each other. The forums organized to promote discussions on the issues relevant to state restructuring are very important because it is only through these type of interactions and dialogues that the different views clash and find way out to arrive at convergence and consensus. The subject of state restructuring is connected to the question of election to the constituent assembly . Moreover, it is a very critical subject for which the Nepalese people should have their free and meaningful participation . In order that the Nepalese people have sufficient space to contribute to discussions on the subject, forums should be created at different levels from the centre down to the local level. The making of the constitution through popularly elected the constituent assembly is premised upon the notion that the ordinary people participate in the process and endorse the provisions enshrined in the basic law of the land.

However, when it is found that many forums and discussions are concentrated in the accessible and urban areas of the country, very limited opportunities exist for ordinary people to vent and express their views and opinions. As has been emphasized time and again, the constituent assembly has been a much vaunted methodology and process for making the constitution by means of an unhindered and unchecked participation of the people. But, unless people are empowered to intervene and provide inputs in the process and substance of the constitution making popular participation and endorsement would be utterly lacking . Moreover, the question of state restructuring is a theme for which all Nepalese should exercise their agency to shape and define the elements of the new Nepali state. For this to happen and gain new thrust and dimension, it is necessary that the debates and discussion that are limited to the cities and some urban areas of the country be allowed to reach out to the rural areas of the country.

Source: The Rising Nepal, July 9, 2007