The prime minister said on Thursday that there still was possibility of increasing the number of provinces to ten from seven, in a statement that could stir the possum at a time when the dust is yet to settle over the government proposal to split Province 5, in an apparent bid to address the concerns of Madhesi and Janajati forces, through an amendment to the constitution.

While talking to the newly elected team of Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (Nefin) on Thursday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is learnt to have said the number of provinces could reach 10 when the proposed federal commission comes up with its suggestions. 

The commission is yet to be formed. 

Parties have long been mulling over the idea of constituting such a commission in order to address the demands of various communities, but there have been objections from within the ruling and opposition parties. 

“The seven-province model was a product of political compulsion,” Nitya Nanda Tajpuriya, secretary general of the Nefin, quoted PM Dahal as saying during the meeting with Nefin officials. “We can still consider increasing the number of provinces to 10 to address the demands of indigenous people. The government is committed to addressing the demands of indigenous communities through the proposed federal commission.” 

“The prime minister made it clear that the seven-province models is not the end, the [federal commission] can change the number and boundaries,” Tajpuriya quoted PM Dahal. “I had very limited scope [earlier] due to political compulsions. But I am concerned and serious about addressing the demands of indigenous people.” 

Expressing reservations about the report prepared by the Local Level Restructuring Commission, the Nefin team urged PM Dahal to abide by the agreements and commitments made by the government in the past and create special autonomous and protected regions.

Nefin has, however, expressed its support to the constitution amendment bill tabled by the government.