India wants Nepal to make 7 changes in statute


India wants Nepal to make seven amendments in the new constitution to address the dissatisfactions raised by the Madhesh-based parties and Janajatis, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday quoting the Indian government sources.

The daily claims that the amendments sought by the Indian establishment were prepared after India's government reviewed the new constitution, and they were relayed to the Nepal's leadership via India ambassador Ranjit Rae.

As reported by The Indian Express, 7-point amendments wanted by India include:

1. To delineate electoral constituencies based on percentage of population in the case of Madhesh

2. To re-insert 'proportional' in Article 42 of the new constitution to ensure right to participation in state structures on the basis of proportional representation.

3. To ensure that those with citizenship by birth or naturalization are also entitled to the posts of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson of National Assembly, Head of Province, Chief Minister, Speaker of Provincial Assembly and Chief of Security Bodies

4. To provide for representation in the National Assembly based on population of the provinces

5. To include Kanchanpur, Kailali, Sunsari, Jhapa and Morang districts in Madhesh province

6. Restore the period to delineate electoral constituencies in every 20 years (as mentioned in the new constitution) to 10 years as in the Interim Constitution

7. To ensure automatic acquisition of naturalized citizenship to woman married to Nepali citizen