CPN-UML lawmaker Gokarna Bista spent months discussing various issues in CA committees and sub committees. But instead of genuine problems that have direct bearing on the livelihoods of the people, leaders and lawmakers in the CA wasted precious time squabbling over the use or omission of certain words."We disputed for years and months over whether to mention pluralism or multi-party system in the preamble of the new constitution. But this doesn't reflect people's concerns at all," UML Secretary Bista told Republica in his home district Gulmi. "People here have concerns over national integrity, national security and sovereignty."
He said the CA has so far failed to acknowledge the real concerns and sentiments of the people. Bista, who reached his constituency to collect public feedback on the draft constitution on Monday, said he repents that lawmakers in the CA didn't raise issues of senior citizens, employed youths, women and the people from backward and marginalized communities.
Bista turned emotional when an elderly asked him, "Son, I am helpless. My children have gone abroad and abandoned me. I can neither walk nor work. Have you discussed issues of elderly people like me?"
Social security of senior citizens is one of the major problems as most of the youths have been migrating abroad for employment and better life. "Within a few years it will emerge as a major problem. But we have not given the issue much importance in CA," added Bista.
Ram Kumar Sunar of Arkha VDC said life has become difficult for people of the Dalit community. "People from other communities told us that the state has invested a lot for our community. But, where has all that investment gone?" Sunar questioned Bista. He asked Bista to produce a constitution that can be owned by Majhi, Bote, Kumal and other Dalit and marginalized communities. Sunwar had walked for over five hours to reach Simaltari to offer his suggestions on the draft constitution.
Basanta Raj Bhusal of Amarpur-9 Gulmi suggested including a provision that ensures employment to youths and promotes self employment instead of having a provision for unemployment allowance. Binda Aryal of Amarpur-6 demanded equal participation of women in all sectors.
Some participants demanded reduction of the number of states.
After listening to the concerns of people of constituency 3 of Gulmi, Bista assured them to raise the issues in the CA.
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