JAN 29 NEW DEADLINE TO RESOLVE DIFFERENCES ON CONSTITUTION

AGREEMENT ON A NEW SCHEDULE TO RESOLVE DIFFERENCES ON A CONSTITUTION BY 29 JANUARY

Kathmandu, 4 Jan: A constitution drafting committee headed
by Nilambar Acharya finally decided Wednesday to amend a schedule and resolve differences on a basic law by 29 January.
A Prachanda sub-committee missed a 30 December deadline to
resolve differences on themes to be incorporated in a constitution to be promulgated 28 May.
A main constitution drafting committee headed by Nilambar Acharya willl also miss a 5 January deadline to forward agreements to the
differences constituent assembly (CA) detailing agreements on the differences.
The CA meets Thursday.
Fundamental differences on a constitution to institutionalize a declared republic persist between political parties.
The supreme court in a landmark verdict in the last week of December has ruled the CA can’t be extended as in the past after 28 May.
Parliament and the Office of the Prime Minister had said they would seek a review of the verdict; no initiative has been taken so far.
NC called for a review of the schedule arguing a constitution to be adopted through a vote wouldn’t get the required two-third majority.
Maoists and UML earlier pushed for a constitution to be adopted
by majority vote.
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GOVT. TO CONSIDER CONCESSIONS FOR STUDENTS
Kathmandu, 4 Jan.: Government Wednesday formed a 10-member task force headed by Debendra Paudel, political advisor of the prime minister, to recommend within one month subsidies for students in kerosene, diesel and food for students.
Maoist All Nepal National Independent Student Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R).withdrew threatened protests following an agreement between Prime Minister Baburam Bhatarai and student representatives.
Five students and governments will be included in the body.
Government ministers attended the talks.
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