Right to province top priority: PM Shah

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has made it clear that the government he was leading had accorded top priority to the rights of provinces for their empowerment.

PM Shah said it during a meeting held at his office with the political leaders from Tarai-Madhes on Friday. The provinces are empowered once the constitution is enforced fully and effectively, he reminded the meeting that was held in the wake of recent unrest in some Tarai-Madhes districts.

The PM further informed the leaders that the federal government was working actively to devolve rights to provinces and local government so that federalism would be realised in a true sense. The budget was brought inclusively by incorporating the issues and demands of all geographical regions, communities and marginalised people, the PM said, adding that he was treating every Nepali citizen in an equal manner.

In the present sensitive situation, fundamental values of the constitution, democratic system, rule of law and nationality would not be compromised, according to him. PM Shah called on all sides to stand resolutely for national unity by maintaining restraint, and continuing dialogues that foster tolerance and harmony.

The leaders attending the meeting with PM Shah were Mahanth Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, Lal Babu Raut, Ram Kumar Sharma, Samim Minya, Prabhu Sah, Amaresh Kumar Singh, Sharat Singh Bhandari, and CK Raut, among others.

The leaders presented their suggestions on how the current security challenges could be addressed in Tarai-Madhes, and how good governance and federalism could be strengthened. RSS