New schedule for drafting delayed constitution

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 16 July: Constitution assembly is meeting Thursday to draw up new schedule for drafting the constitution for the fifth time.
A business committee is expected to recommend a new schedule.
A basis document should have been ready by Wednesday.
Only 10motnths remain to complete a draft by the mid-May 2010 deadline.
amid fundamental differences between major political players.
Only three of 11 subject committees have submitted recommendations.
The main drafting committee is without a chairman after the appointment of Prime Madhav Kumar Nepal two months ago.
If the deadline is met, the constitution will be imposed by major political parties without popular debate.
A constitution promulgated in such a manner won’t have popular mandate.
An interim constitution was similarly promulgated without serious discussions on fundamental issues like monarchy and a secular state.
A tradition has been established to launch constitutions through street protests hindering constitutional development.
Maoists, the biggest political party, wants to push a communist state opposed by other parties.
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Protesting civil servants arrested

Kathmandu, 16 July: Dozens of civil servants defying prohibitory orders demanding increased pay were arrested Thursday at Singha Durbar including union leaders.
Officials continued a strike for the third day in districts and the capital despite government assurances of a salary hike.
Union officials lsaid protests and negotiations will continue simultaneously.
Finance Minister Surendra Pandey has been authorized by government to deal with strikers.
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Maoist central committee meeting again postponed

Kathmandu, 16 July: Chairman Prachanda hasn’t fully recovered after suffering food poisoning Wednesday.
A scheduled address to the party central committee was postponed for the second time in two days Thursday.
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