Provincial govts in fix

The Himalayan Times

29 March 2018

Provincial govts in fix

Nepal has now entered into federal structure. All the provincial governments are now in place and have started their business despite facing many difficulties. Local level governments are struggling to meet the expectations of rural people. The Oli led federal government is still negotiating with Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N) and Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) to bring them in the Cabinet. The constitution amendment has been their one of the major demands before joining the government. It is yet to be seen whether they will stick to their demands or join the government for the ministerial berths as in the past.

Recently, Prime Minister Oli held a meeting with the seven chief minsters, principle secretaries and chief attorneys to brief them about the official policy of the federal government about the development, its internal affairs and international relations “PM holds meeting with chief ministers” (THT, March 22, Page 3). He emphasised the need to coordinate between the federal government and provincial governments and work for the prosperity and development of the country. However, the federal government has poorly failed to provide necessary laws, human and economic resources to the provincial and local governments on time. This situation has greatly hampered the daily routine works of the provincial governments.

It does not seem that the provincial governments will be able to fully function until they are fully equipped with sufficient staffs, appropriate budget and necessary infrastructure. The Ministry of Federal Affairs, Local Development and General Administration is having difficult time to send central level staff to their assigned provinces.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharjgunj