KATHMANDU: Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Sunita Dangol, has called for unity and restraint as the municipality faces an administrative impasse over the presentation and passage of its annual budget.
Her remarks, made public on Monday, come amid controversy over the exclusion of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Saroj Guragain from key meetings.
“Let’s not choose the unfortunate path of sinking the boat for others while trying to save ourselves,” said Deputy Mayor Dangol, signaling her disapproval of efforts to convene the executive and municipal assembly sessions without the presence of the CAO.
She highlighted that barring the CAO from these meetings could deprive elected representatives of the opportunity to question him and may raise public suspicion.
According to Dangol, “The CAO should face the representatives’ questions within the meeting itself. His presence is essential, not optional.” She also expressed concerns that bypassing the CAO sets a legally questionable precedent.
By law, KMC was required to present its budget by June 24 and pass it by the end of the fiscal year. However, no formal meetings of the executive committee or municipal assembly have been held.
Furthermore, the Budget Formulation and Program Committee and the Revenue and Budget Ceiling Estimation Committee, both headed by Mayor Balen Shah, have yet to meet.
Dangol urged all elected representatives to engage in open and responsible discussions within the framework of the constitution and law.
“Let’s bring the budget in a composed, structured way — not through agitation or emotional reactions,” she stated.
She revealed that she has held several informal meetings with executive members, including Mayor Shah and the municipal spokesperson, and received encouraging signals about convening the board meeting and municipal assembly soon.
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