Editorial: Let there be laws

Almost a decade has passed since an earthquake-ravaged Nepal adopted a federal democratic constitution, exhibiting strong political will in the face of adversities, seismic or otherwise. The charter aside, the country has not been able to introduce laws that can make way for a smooth transition from an ages-old unitary system of governance to a federal system.

Let’s go 15 months back, at least, when the National Assembly, the upper chamber of the bicameral parliament, drew the attention of the government of the day, directing it to do the needful for making laws. The directive and successive governments’ commitments to drafting the laws aside, there are, at present, only two regulations under the consideration of the lower chamber of the parliament (the House of Representatives): School Education Regulation, 2080 and Federal Civil Service Regulation, 2080. The process of making scores of laws is ‘moving’ at a snail’s pace, giving an indication of the status of implementation of the new constitution.   

Out of these laws, the Center has been literally sitting on the task of making around 40 laws, followed by provinces (24) and local levels (6).  

The laws awaiting the light of the day cover a wide range of important topics such as citizenship, right to property, acquisition and compensation, and impeachment motion. 

They come under the ambit of different ministries such as home, law, justice and parliamentary affairs, and finance. 

Department ministries aside, it is the ultimate responsibility of the top government leadership to draft these laws and present them in the Parliament, making way for enlightened discussions, changes and authentication. 

Delays, inadvertent or otherwise, in introducing laws will only come in the way of devolution of state powers so crucial for taking the state at the doorsteps of the citizenry. Not only that, such delays will only bolster forces opposed to federalism and the new constitution, thereby contributing to a growing disenchantment against the system and its destabilization. 

So, the onus is on the government leadership to take decisive steps toward implementation of the new constitution by giving momentum to the stalled lawmaking process.