Congress adds senior vice-president post; three general secretaries, 15 joint general secretaries

Nepali Congress has decided to add a senior vice-president post among its office bearers at its 15th General Convention. The Central Committee meeting, held Monday at the Khulamanch venue of the convention before the closed-door session began, made the decision by amending the party's statute. Previously, the party's office bearers were only the president, vice-presidents, general secretaries, joint general secretaries and the treasurer.

Under the new arrangement, Congress will have four vice-presidents, including the senior vice-president, one of whom must be a woman. There will be three general secretaries, one of whom must also be a woman. The number of joint general secretaries has been raised from eight to 15: nine will be elected on the basis of inclusion, two from the open category, and four nominated by the president. According to Ratopati, the number of office bearers has been increased from 14 to 23.

The size of the Central Committee has also been increased. 171 Central members will be elected at the convention, and 61 will be nominated.

Party spokesperson Devraj Chalise said the increase in office bearers should not be understood in the sense of managing leaders or producing leaders. "The scope of Congress is expanding," he said.

The same meeting unanimously passed the 29-point political report presented by party president Gagan Kumar Thapa, Joint General Secretary Karna Bahadur Budha said. Other reports were also passed at the meeting.