Nepalgunj, June 16 - Irrigation Minister Raghubir Mahaseth Thursday said the first draft of the new constitution would be made public by concluding the peace process by August last.

Speaking at a welcome function orgnised by CPN-UML Nepalgunj committee, Minister Mahaseth said that the tasks that the government initiated to conclude the peace and constitution drafting processes had taken pace.

"The timetable to integrate the armies as per the five-point agreement inked on 29 May has already been prepared and the process of constitution drafting has moved ahead," he said adding that both tasks would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

He expressed his hope that the task of constitution would succeed in the support of the political parties.

He said Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal would step down by the time the parties agree to forge a new consensus and implement it for the formation of the government.

He, however, clarified that Prime Minister Khanal would not resign until an alternative government was ready.

Saying that resignation of the Prime Minister would not be helpful in concluding the peace and constitution drafting processes, Minister Mahaseth claimed that constitution drafting would face problems if the Nepali Congress did not present itself honestly.

He appreciated the moves of the Maoist leaders to remove their dual security system and present the timetable of army integration and said that it was an honest effort towards peace process.

Minister Mahaseth also inspected the under construction Sikta Irrigation Project and instructed the employees working there.

Meanwhile, Youth Association Nepal prevented Minister Mahaseth from attending a function organised by Press Chautrai, Banke.