Kathmandu, Oct 11 (IANS): Nepal's largest party, Nepali Congress (NC), said Saturday that there should not be more than seven provinces in the new federal set-up as the country economically cannot sustain more provinces.

The ruling party's position on federalism, a most contentious issue relating to the country's new constitution, comes at a time when political parties in Nepal are deliberating on federalism. The dispute on federalism has delayed the constitution drafting process.

The NC has proposed economic viability and natural resources as a basis for federal structures. According to a document endorsed by its central committee, economic viability should be taken into consideration while carving out the federal units, Xinhua reported.

Nepal's political parties are discussing the contentious issues relating to the draft of a new constitution as the mid-October deadline to promulgate a new constitution draws closer.