Equality for Prosperity: Celebrating Constitution Day-2019

National Alliance for Human Rights and Social Justice Nepal (Human Rights Alliance) and South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE) collaboratively organized program on “Equality for Prosperity” marking the 4th Constitution Day on 18th September 2019 in Kathmandu. The chief guest of the program was Hon. Subash Chandra Nemwang, Deputy Parliamentary Party Leader of Nepal Communist Party and Chair of Constitutional Assembly. Guest of the program was Hon. Min Biswakarma, Nepali Congress Leader and Member of House of Representative. The program was chaired by Gauri Pradhan, Former Human Rights Commissioner and Former Chairperson of Human Rights Alliance. Representatives from the government, civil society, political parties, federations, networks and alliances, media were present in the program.

Hon. Subash Chandra Nemwang asserted that current constitution has been drafted by the people for themselves. It has reflected that aspiration of the people as the constitution was drafted on democratic practice. Current constitution reflects political transformation achieved in the country; hence, economic and social transformation has to be major priority now onwards. Collective effort from people, CSOs, government is essential to make the constitution successful by reflecting the constitution’s principles through necessary policies, plans, and
effective implementation for heading towards prosperity.

Hon. Min Biswakarma presented constitution has assimilated best principles to ensure justice based equality by incorporating provisions assuring fundamental rights, good governance and economic and social progress. Since the constitution is amendable according to the time and necessity of the people. It has reflected the aspiration of the people so that just based equality could be ensured moving on the path of prosperity by focusing economic and social progress through necessary polices and plans in coming days. In the program, guest Hon. Dr. Bimala Rai Poudel, Member of National Assembly shared provisions of the Constitution of Nepal being aligned with gender equality and social inclusion and existing condition in country. Guest Hon. Min Bahadur Shahi, Member of National Planning Commission shared ongoing and upcoming plans and priorities of government of Nepal reflecting the long-term 25-year vision and current five year plan of the government.

Dr. Netra Prasad Timsina, Regional Coordinator, SAAPE presented key findings of equality status in South Asia based on the study, titled, Inequality Status in South Asia carried out by SAAPE and LDC Watch at regional level. Meanwhile, Sharmila Karki, Former Chair of NGO Federation presented status of gender equality taking reference of the Constitution of Nepal by presenting condition of behavior and practice in Nepal. In the program, Samir Nepal, Senior Vice-Chairperson of Human Rights Alliance welcomed the guests and participants and shared rationale of the program. Dr. Padma Prasad Khatiwada, General Secretary of Human Rights Alliance moderated the program.

All the guests and speakers asserted for necessity of consolidated effort for prosperity with equality and social inclusion in order to make realization of inclusive democracy and basic human rights to the citizens.