KATHMANDU: A total of 61 local governments across Nepal have yet to unveil their budgets for the current fiscal year, despite the constitutional requirement to do so by Asar 10 (June 24).
According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, out of 753 local governments, only 692 have so far introduced their budgets and implemented them, leaving 61 still non-compliant.
The delay in budget presentation is primarily attributed to political disputes and a lack of coordination at the local level. In Koshi Province, five local governments, including Salpasilichho Rural Municipality in Bhojpur, Itahari and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan Cities in Sunsari, Sunbarshi Municipality in Morang, and Sunkoshi Rural Municipality in Okhaldhunga, have not yet made their budgets public.
In Madhes Province, the highest number of non-compliant local governments—40 in total—are yet to announce their budgets. These include five in Saptari, three in Siraha, ten in Dhanusha, one in Mahottari, and five each in Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa.
In Bagmati Province, four local governments—Hariharpurgadhi Rural Municipality in Sindhuli, Bigu in Dolakha, and Khaniyabas and Galchi Rural Municipalities in Dhading—have failed to present their budgets. Although Kathmandu Metropolitan City has unveiled its budget, the details have not been uploaded to the ministry’s official portal.
In Lumbini Province, seven local governments have not submitted their budgets. These include Palhinandan and Pratappur Rural Municipalities in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), Kotihimai and Sammerimai in Rupandehi, Shuddhodhan in Kapilvastu, and Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City and Lamahi Municipality in Dang.
In Karnali Province, Kumakh, Chhatreswori, and Dharma Rural Municipalities in Salyan have yet to disclose their budgets, while Tikapur Municipality in Sudurpaschim Province also remains non-compliant. Notably, all local governments in Gandaki Province have presented their budgets on time, making it the only province to achieve full compliance.
As mandated by the Constitution, the federal government is required to present its budget on Jestha 15 each year, the provincial governments on Asar 1, and local governments on Asar 10. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has reiterated that all local units must follow these timelines to ensure transparency, proper fiscal planning, and service delivery.
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