The Amendment of Nepal Constitution. satisfy the demands of Madhesis.

The Amendment of Nepal Constitution. satisfy the demands of Madhesis.

Nepal is governed according to the Constitution of Nepal, which came into effect on Sept 20, 2015, replacing the Interim Constitution of 2007. The Constitution was drafted by the Second Constituent Assembly following the failure of the First Constituent Assembly to produce a constitution in its mandated period.[1] The constitution was endorsed by 90% of the total lawmakers. Out of 598 CA members, 507 voted in favor of the constitution while 25 voted against and 66 others did not take part in the election process.

The promulgation of the new constitution was immediately followed by virtual blockade of all checkpoints at Nepal-India border. Various Human Rights Activists and some ethnic groups in lowland Nepal have accused the Constitution of being gender discriminatory especially in regards to citizenship provisions. They allege new constitution makes it difficult for woman to pass on citizenship to their children as compared to men. Similarly, Madhesi and indigenous population view that the new constitution fails to address demands of marginalized communities and support status-quo of the ruling groups.

The amendments were passed with two-third majority, four months after the new constitution was promulgated. Three articles—42, 84 and 286—were amended. The amendments aim to resolve the ongoing agitation by the Madhesis. It includes provisions such as proportionate and inclusive representation of all marginalised communities, including the Madhesis, in all state mechanisms and allocation of seats in Parliament on the basis of population.

Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with India, have been demanding demarcation of provinces, fixing of electoral constituencies on the basis of population and proportional representation. Fifty-five people have been killed in violent protests by the Madhesis since last year. The protests of the Madhesis had sparked tensions between India and Nepal with Nepal’s government viewing India as supportive of the Madhesi stance, which they felt was fuelling the agitation and encouraging the sit-down demonstrations that led to blockage of supply routes between the two countries.

The lawmakers of the agitating parties had boycotted the voting, saying the amendment was “incomplete”, as it fell short of addressing their concerns, including redrawing of federal boundaries.