The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has initiated the process to formulate laws to facilitate the implementation of the new constitution promulgated on September 20.

The ministry has identified 138 laws, a majority of them relating to federalism, that need to be enacted for enforcing the provisions of the new charter. The ministry has also formed a committee to prepare for the legislation. Officials said the Acts will be drafted on priority basis.

The committee is coordinating with the Parliament Secretariat for the purpose. “It is primarily the job of the ministry but we are working closely to speed up the task,” said secretariat spokesperson Bharat Raj Gautam.

The secretariat has intensified homework in coordination with the ministry. Law Minister Agni Kharel, given his extensive involvement in the constitution drafting process and his legal background, is actively engaged in the process. As the new constitution has increased the scope of fundamental rights, there is a need to pass new laws. Mainly, the directive principles of the state, state restructuring and distribution of state power have provisions that require new laws to be brought into practice, experts say.

Legislation is necessary to set up the constitutional Tharu, Dalit, Women, Muslim, Inclusive, Madhesi, and Adibasi and Janajati Commissions. These bodies are going to be formed for the first time in order to address the demands of the marginalised communities.

Law Ministry officials said they would start the process of registering bills in Parliament soon after Tihar. The ministry also plans to hold consultations with other parties for the purpose of finalising the draft bills. The ruling coalition will have to bring the opposition Nepali Congress on board to ensure a smooth passage of the Acts.

There is also the need for amending the existing laws.