Kathmandu, January 7
Apparently due to protests launched by locals in various cities demanding provincial capitals in their places, the government has decided to skip naming provincial capitals and letting concerned provincial assemblies decide their headquarters.
Therefore, newly elected members of the provincial assemblies will be called to Kathmandu to take oath of office and secrecy. The government, however, will appoint province chiefs who will administer the oath to provincial lawmakers.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Yagya Bahadur Thapa says the chiefs will be appointed by the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.
“Who are we to fix their capitals?” Thapa says, “This government will not do this, but lets provincial assemblies to decide their capitals with two-third majority. We will appoint province chiefs tomorrow. The swearing-in and first meeting of such assemblies can be held in Kathmandu.”
Meanwhile, the Minister blames the left alliance for provoking people to launch protests demanding capitals further prolonging instability.
He says Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is also consulting experts to find an agreeable solution regarding this issue.
