KATHMANDU: The National Planning Commission (NPC) has extended the deadline for submitting proposals for projects and programs under federal supplementary and special grants for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.
Provinces and local levels were asked to submit their proposals by February.
The deadline was extended after fewer-than-expected proposals were received, according to NPC spokesperson Harisharan Pudasaini.
He stated that the number of participants was not as expected, with fewer proposals coming in not only from municipalities but also from provinces. This shortfall prompted the commission to extend the submission period.
This year, the timeline for submitting proposals was delayed due to amendments in the working procedures related to supplementary and special grants. Unlike previous years, when proposals were requested by December 2024, the deadline was pushed back by about one and a half months.
The revised grant allocation now ranges from 20 to 80% based on the classification of municipalities, replacing the earlier provision where 50% of the supplementary grant was contributed by the federal government, with the remaining 50% borne by the respective provinces and local levels.
The Special Grant Procedure, 2024, outlines the cost estimates for projects. Rural municipalities or municipalities can receive grants for projects costing between Rs 2.5 million and Rs 30 million, while sub-metropolitan and metropolitan cities can receive grants for projects ranging from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 50 million.
The cost estimate for projects to be implemented by the provincial government under the federal special grant is set at Rs 50 million to Rs 100 million. Infrastructure projects under the special grant must be completed within three years, while other programs are required to be completed annually.
According to the Supplementary Grant Procedure, 2024, rural municipalities or municipalities can request grants for projects costing between Rs 10 million and Rs 70 million.
Sub-metropolitan and metropolitan cities can submit proposals for projects ranging from Rs 30 million to Rs 150 million, while provinces can submit proposals for projects costing between Rs 100 million and Rs 300 million.
Proposals must be submitted online, and a detailed cost estimate, including feasibility studies, drawings, designs, specifications, and environmental study reports, is mandatory.
Additionally, approval from the concerned executive is required for local levels, while the Council of Ministers of the provincial government must approve provincial-level proposals based on recommendations from the Provincial Planning Commission.
The extension aims to provide more time for provinces and local levels to submit comprehensive project proposals and secure federal grants for development initiatives.
Comment