KATHMANDU: Prime Minister and National Coordination Council Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prahanda’ has affirmed his commitment, as the principal agent of change, to vigorously pursue the implementation of federalism.
Addressing the second full meeting of the Council at his Singha Durbar office today, PM Dahal stated, “The Chief Ministers have entrusted their faith in me for the implementation of federalism. I will work towards executing federalism with this mandate.”
He pointed out that although the Act related to the Council was enacted in 2076 BS, he took the initiative to convene the Council’s first meeting last July.
The Prime Minister and Council Chair emphasized that the meeting was called to maintain coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments’ functions, stating, “Four years passed without convening a single meeting. I have taken the initiative for federalism implementation by calling two meetings in six months.”
PM Dahal highlighted his ongoing consultations with Chief Ministers for implementing federalism, emphasizing the need for everyone to contemplate and take an interest in constitution implementation.
“I feel that this meeting has provided momentum (to implement federalism). All the Chief Ministers have placed hope and faith in me. This support empowers me to focus on federalism implementation, a topic central to my leadership since assuming government office,” he reiterated.
The PM informed that initiatives have been launched regarding the Civil Service Act and police adjustment by assigning responsibility to the Deputy Prime Ministers. “Enacting federal acts is a major responsibility for us. Once provinces begin providing services to the people, it will be a fitting response to the anti-federalism stance,” he added.
Emphasizing that the policies, programs, and budgets brought by the three tiers of government should be the collective expression of their wisdom, Prime Minister Dahal urged an end to situations where plans are not completed within stipulated timeframes.
“The state’s liability has increased due to lopsided development and delays. This situation will come to an end this time. The anomalies in budget formulation will be addressed,” PM Dahal said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka lauded the Prime Minister’s initiatives on federalism implementation, stating that it has removed uncertainty.
“The Prime Minister is serious about implementing federalism. I have been making efforts to finalize the Civil Service Act as directed by the Prime Minister. We will pass this in the current parliament session itself,” he said, urging collective spirit in working towards federalism implementation as a common responsibility.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha expressed that the Prime Minister has been working with concern and urgency on federalism implementation.
“The PM consistently encourages all ministers to speed up works for federalism implementation. The process of police adjustment has moved ahead, and we will finalize it within a few days,” DPM Shrestha added.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dhanraj Gurung stated that the Prime Minister’s activism in implementing federalism has motivated them. He assured that most of the Federal Acts will be passed in the current session of parliament.
The meeting discussed the action plan for federalism implementation by the federal government and reviewed the status of the Federal Implementation Facilitation Work Plan. It also addressed problems in implementation, aiming to find solutions.
The Council comprises key figures from the federal, provincial, and local levels and opposition party representatives.
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