Nepal’s lawmakers began work on a new national constitution in 2008 following a decade-long Maoist insurgency that left an estimated 16,000 people dead and brought down the monarchy.
But the political parties were unable to reach agreement and the resulting uncertainty left Nepal in a state of political limbo and instability
Problem of reconstruction
Only 1% of the damaged buildings rebuilt by an estimate
Power conflict between Nepali Congress, K P Oli’s Comunist Party and Maoists
New Constitution:
executive Prime Minister and ceremonial President.
The Westminster model
The agreement includes a commitment to hold the country’s first local elections since 1997.
Secularism
Classifies Nepal as secular country
Not Hindu nation
Other similar features as India like Single Citizenship, preamble, Fundamental Right, duties, Directive principle, CAG, EC
Violence
7 federal units seemingly break up the Madhesis
Madhesis are the local people, from Indian background
“Roti, Beti ka rishta” with India
Questions to Nepal
Between 6-8 nepali live and work in India
Most of them are the hill people
Why single out the Madhesis as having Indian connection
In fact Madhesis have been in Nepal ever since the British times, and are therefore ‘original ‘ inhabitants just like the hill people
Madhesis are like the lower castes; high population but very limited power
They live in the plains; most agriculture, industry concentrated in theses regions
Even earlier (till 90s), Madhesis were not allowed to enter the inner regions ; had to take passports to go to Kathmandu
Hegemony of communities like Bahun & Chhetri
BHUTAN
Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949
Bhutan let India guide its Foregin Policy and Defence Policy
However, these clauses have beenremoved in the renewed treaty of 2007
Importance to India
Strategic
Buffer State
Indian “ally” India has IMTRAT stationed in Bhutan
India Military Training Team
Doklam Crisis
Has remained out of the Chinese Coercion – OBOR
Siliguri Corridor security
Terrorism
Cooperated in flushing out ULFA and Bodo millitants from its teritory
Economic
India – Bhutan FTA
India helped set up 3 major hydroelectric plants in Chukha, Kurichhu & Tala
The sale of electricity to India helps finance Bhutan’s budgets
