The high-level taskforce formed to resolve disputed issues of constitution drafting has been granted an extension for the second time, until December 11, 2010. The term was to expire today.
A meeting of the 27 parties represented in the Constituent Assembly reached the decision on Thursday.The taskforce is yet to settle important issues, including the governance structure to be outlined in the new constitution.
Earlier in the day, the taskforce met and settled the dispute over citizenship in the new constitution. A meeting of the taskforce held in Singha Darbar has decided to issue a single citizenship from the centre, give continuity to naturalised citizenship on the basis of descent, and forge a consensus on citizenship for foreigners. Foreign nationals who are married to Nepali citizens and have been living in Nepal continuously for 15 years will be eligible for Nepali citizenship. The taskforce, led by Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, is close to granting special citizenship to non-resident Nepalis.