KATHMANDU: Asim Shah, coordinator of the task force formed to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment, has said that concerns about the government pursuing unilateral changes to the constitution are unfounded.
Speaking at a consultation meeting with constitutional and legal experts at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Shah clarified that any amendment process will be carried out through broad consultation with political parties and key stakeholders.
He stated that the task force was formed under the government’s 100-day action plan to develop a discussion paper, which will serve as the basis for wider debate.
“Amending the constitution is a shared national agenda that can only be achieved through comprehensive consensus, not by the will of a single party or government,” Shah said. “The discussion paper will undergo extensive deliberation, and amendments will proceed only after reaching common agreement.”
Shah added that his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has prioritized constitutional reform in its manifesto, and the task force aims to submit its report to the Prime Minister within 15 to 20 days after consultations.
During the meeting, task force member secretary Liladhar Subedi presented key areas identified for potential amendment.
Constitutional expert Purnaman Shakya stressed that any amendment should preserve the fundamental structure of the constitution. Similarly, Dr. Bipin Adhikari argued that strengthening the parliamentary system, including granting the Prime Minister the authority to dissolve Parliament, could enhance political stability.
Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikari emphasized the need for broad national debate, describing the constitution as a vital link between citizens and the state.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Govinda Sharma ‘Bandi’ proposed restructuring the Judicial Council to ensure judicial independence, including removing representation of the Law Minister and the Nepal Bar Association.
Another senior advocate, Shambhu Thapa, underscored the importance of parliamentary ownership in advancing the amendment process, while legal expert Meera Dhungana highlighted the need to further clarify constitutional provisions to ensure meaningful gender inclusion at all levels of the state.
