Constitutional Evolution in Nepal

In its efforts to reach out to universities and think thanks outside Delhi, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) has established academic linkages with universities outside Delhi. The present volume is the outcome of the joint seminar organized by ICWA, New Delhi and, University Department of Political Science, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur held at Muzaffarpur in January 2011 to understand the constitutional evolution in Nepal. There is a belief that the failure of the Constitution Assembly to frame the new constitution has the potential to jeopardize the 2006 peace deal between the major political parties of Nepal. Further, the people of Nepal are disappointed over unresolved differences among political parties, widespread corruption, and indefinite general strikes. The root of the problem lies in the 'trust deficit' among the key parties, which poses a serious threat to peace in Nepal apart from being a major obstacle in drafting the constitution. The most important task of constitution-making is the building of consensus, and developing a framework for coexistence and cooperation among communities, based on social justice, values and national identity. There is an earnest desire among the peoples of Nepal that their political leaders should come to a consensus and take the peace process forward and not squander this historic opportunity.