Controversial bill seeking amendment in map tabled in Nepal parliament
The Government of Nepal has introduced a bill in Parliament to include its new map in the Constitution. This new map includes three areas of India, Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. Opposition parties have also promised to support the government on this issue.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shivamaya Tumbangfe introduced the Constitution Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives. The new map will be used in all official papers of Nepal. Nepal will also include the new map in its coat-of-arms (country sign). For this, the Schedule-3 of the Constitution needs to be amended. The bill will be discussed in the House. The President will sign it after the bill is passed by both houses.
Bill can be passed in 10 days
In Nepal, it usually takes a month to pass a constitutional amendment bill. According to sources, this time the Nepali Parliament will try to pass the bill for the next ten days. Many processes can also be bypassed for this.
Nepal released new map on 18 May
India has built a road from Lipulekh to Dharchula. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated it through video conferencing on 8 May, after which the government of Nepal protested and released a new map on 18 May. In this it claimed Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura of India as their own. On 22 May, Parliament also proposed a constitutional amendment. India has rejected all Nepal claims. Recently, India’s Army Chief MM Naravane said that Nepal did this at the behest of someone else.
Two-thirds vote required for constitutional amendment
The government of Nepal needs two-thirds of the vote to amend the constitution. The ruling Nepal Communist Party needs 10 seats to pass the resolution from the lower house. Therefore, the government has to persuade other parties. It is believed that this bill will be passed by both the houses after the opposition parties agree.
