Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said on Thursday that addressing the demands raised by the agitating Madhesi, Tharus and Janajatis to “strengthen internal unity” and increasing the acceptance of the constitution would be his top priority.

“If we fail to maintain unity among the parties, the country could face dire consequences,” said PM Dahal after assuming office in Singha Durbar. “Therefore I expect support from the media and all the Nepali people.”

In his first decision as the prime minister, Dahal also issued four directives on Thursday. According to Shanta Bahadur Shrestha, secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, the four directives include: a special programme for the poor; distribution of first tranche of housing aid to 533,000 households of 31 earthquake-hit districts within 45 days and expediting reconstruction works; dispatching doctors to all primary health care centres within three months; and Rs 1,000 incentive to Dalit families across the country and all households of the Karnali region to encourage birth registration.