KATHMANDU: Four months into the current fiscal year, 25 local levels across the country—24 of them in Madhesh Province—have still not presented their budgets. While 728 local governments have tabled their annual estimates, these remaining units have failed to meet the constitutional deadline.
According to the constitution, the federal government must present its budget by Jestha 15, provincial governments by Asad 1, and local levels by Asad 10. Despite this requirement, only 112 of the 136 local levels in Madhesh Province have submitted their budgets, leaving 24 yet to do so.
Data from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration shows that Rajbiraj Municipality, Agnisair Krishnasawaran Rural Municipality, Balan Bihul Rural Municipality, and Kalyanpur Municipality of Saptari are among those pending.
Other local levels that have not presented their income and expenditure estimates include Dhangadhimai Municipality and Sukhipur Municipality of Siraha; Kshireshwor and Nagarain Municipalities of Dhanusha; Aurahi and Janakandini Rural Municipalities; Kamala Municipality; and Dhanauji Rural Municipality.
In addition, Sonma Rural Municipality of Mahottari; Malangawa Municipality of Sarlahi; Chandranagar and Ramnagar Rural Municipalities; Katahariya, Dewahi Gonahi, and Fatuwa Bijaypur Municipalities of Rautahat; Yamunamai Rural Municipality; Mahagadhimai Municipality and Bishrampur Rural Municipality of Bara; and Pakaha Mainpur Rural Municipality of Parsa have also not tabled their budgets.
Outside Madhesh Province, Suddhodhan Rural Municipality of Lumbini Province has likewise not presented its budget for the current fiscal year.
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