This booklet attempts to identify and discuss major challenges Nepal has faced in implementing the Constitution promulgated four years ago. It brings together experiences of Constitution Assembly members and a top bureaucrat actively involved in framing the present Constitution and discusses the challenges in moving ahead towards institutionalizing it.
There are five articles in this booklet from renowned figures in Nepalese politics, activism, and administration. Hon. Subash Chandra Nembang, who chaired the CA when the constitution was passed, provides background to the history of constitution writing in Nepal and underlines why this constitution is different from all earlier ones. Hon. Radheshyam Adhikari, the main opposition party leader in the National Assembly today, gives an overview of the state of the implementation of the constitution – the challenges and ways to possible solutions. Hon. Laxman Lal Karna, a senior lawyer and a leader of the Rastriya Janta Party Nepal (now Janata Samajbadi Party), provides context as to where the constitution has shortcomings and underlines the need for reevaluation and amendments to protect the achievements of Nepal’s period of transition. Hon Mahalaxmi Updhyay Dina, who has a long history of contributions in the struggle for democracy and women rights, writes about where women’s rights stand with regards to the constitution and how its implementation can be made women-friendly. Finally, Dr. Somlal Subedi, a former Chief Secretary, writes with an administrator’s perspective about how state restructuring could be made more efficient.