peace, stability and democracy inevitable for development-pm

Kathmandu, Dec 22: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said that peace, stability and democracy must be institutionalized for development of the country.

Speaking at the joint meeting of the Parliamentary Development Committee, Agriculture and Water Resources Committee and Finance Committee at Singha Durbar today, Prime Minister Koirala said the country has seen many achievements since the second janandolan and likewise the atmosphere for foreign investment has become favourable since the restoration of peace.

Expressing concern over the failure to increase sufficient development budget, he said the government was working to increase development expenditures, while responding to questions of MPs over inability to mobilize budget in the right way.

Pointing out the need for cooperation of all the political parties in the successful implementation of the development projects, the Prime Minister said the bureaucracy also needs to perform its role honestly with accountability towards the country and people.

Referring to the ongoing constitution making process, Koirala said consensus was essential to promulgate the new constitution on time, and for that every political party needs to present itself with flexibility.

"How can a constitution of consensus be drafted if every party stick to their respective position and not agree on 'give and take', the PM questioned.

The rights of all including the backward region, class, the Dalits, Muslim, Indigenous people would be guaranteed only after the new constitution is promulgated, he said.

Suggesting the members of parliament present at the meeting to urge their respective party leaders for a consensus, the Prime Minister said a coalition government should continue for some more time as the country was going through a transition.

Constitution is the only option for institutionalizing the achievements gained in a short time and with minimal losses, he said while adding, "agitation and excesses do not bear any significance henceforth".

The joint meeting of the three committees in the presence of the Prime Minister and other concerned Ministers was held to discuss about the overall development expenditure of the current fiscal year, its problems and steps to be taken for achieving the goals. RSS