Kathmandu: Amid differences within the ruling coalition, Nepal`s Constituent Assembly has endorsed a federal model of 14 provinces including two Terai states bordering India, as part of the planned reorganisation of the states.
The major ruling parties, including Nepali Congress and Madhesi parties, have earlier proposed two alternatives – a group of 14 provinces and another six province federation. However, the parliamentary body took the decision of 14 states following provisions of the interim constitution.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the 42-member body yesterday in which a majority voted in favour of the modality recommended by the sub-committee on the Reconstruction and Devolution of State authority.
A total of 23 members of the Unified CPN (Maoist) and CPN UML voted in favour of the proposal of the 14 states.
The proposed federal states are Tharuhat-Lumbini-Avadh in Western Terai, Mithila-Bhojpura-Madhes in Eastern Terai, both located along the Indo-Nepal border. The other 12 provinces proposed are Jadan, Karnali, Khaptad, Sherpa, Sunkosi, Kirat, Limbuwan, Newa, Tamsaling, Narayani, Tamjuwan and Magarat.
The Madhesi parties wanted the entire Terai as a single autonomous region, however, the CA endorsed two states.
Nepal`s Constituent Assembly has set May 28, 2010 as deadline for drafting the new constitution.
PTI
