- Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Nepal, Kathmandu, April 28: A taskforce formed by the government to prepare a concept paper on amendment of constitution held a meeting with experts on Monday.
The taskforce coordinated by Ashim Shah, political advisor to the Prime Minister, discussed with legal and constitutional experts at PM’s Office, Singha Durbar.
Taskforce member secretary Leeladhar Subedi made a presentation on the issues warranting amendment to constitution such as form of governance, electoral system and franchise to Nepalis living abroad.
Other issues featured for discussion were provision of directly elected president, appointment of judges based on competition, end of corruption in judiciary, effectiveness of federalism, reform in management, role of Chairman and Vice Chairman of National Assembly, accountability of local levels, non-political local government, fair and capable judiciary, restructuring of judicial council, number of constitutional bodies and appointments there.
In the discussion, constitutional expert Purna Man Shakya suggested taking into account foundational structure of constitution while initiating amendment to it. Constitutional expert Dr Bipin Adhikari viewed the system must be fully parliamentary.
Prime Minister should be given authority to dissolve parliament. Another constitutional expert and former lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari underlined the need of thorough discussions before amending constitution because it the major document, establishing links between citizens and government. Senior advocate Mira Dhungana said further clarity is needed on women rights.
Senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai argued the amendment taskforce itself was not recognized by constitution, so it would be better to be federal parliament member to coordinate the taskforce. According to senior advocate Shambhu Thapa, although the issues in the discussion were relevant, these required endorsement by the parliament.
Political meddling should be ended in judiciary in view of advocate Govind Sharma. Taskforce coordinator Shah thanked the experts and informed that the suggestions given by them would be incorporated in the amendment paper.
Coordinator of a taskforce on constitution amendment, Ashim Shah, has urged everyone not to be swayed after the rumour that constitution would be amended unilaterally.
Government does not act one-sidedly but takes onboard diverse suggestions for amending constitution, Shah made it clear. He said it during a consultation with legal experts and constitutionalists held at Prime Minister’s Office, Singh Durbar on Monday.
Broader discussions will be held with all stakeholders including political parties to forward this significant task. The taskforce was mandated to prepare a concept paper on amendment to constitution in line with 100-point action plan of government.
“Constitution amendment is a multi-stakeholder concern, so national consensus will be reached for it,” he reiterated. Shah reminded that Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) had prioritized this issue in its commitment paper. Comprehensive discussions would be held with subject experts and their views included in the paper. Taskforce member secretary Liladhar Subedi made a presentation on major issues identified for amendment.
Constitutionalists and senior advocates including Dr Bipin Adhikari, Purna Man Shakya, Radheshyam Adhikari,Govind Sharma ‘Bandi’, Shambhu Thapa, Mira Dhungana and Tikaram Bhattarai gave suggestions during the meeting held on Monday. —
