KARNALI: The Karnali Province government has approved a budget of Rs 34 million to implement the Innovation Partnership Fund across seven municipalities in different districts.
The decision was made at today’s provincial cabinet meeting, which granted budget authority to the relevant municipalities for projects under the programme in the current fiscal year 2026/27.
Provincial government spokesperson and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Binod Kumar Shah, said the initiative aims to bring transformation in areas such as digital technology, service delivery, education, health, and enterprise development. He added that the selected projects were designed based on local needs and the expansion of technology-friendly services.
“The programme is expected to enhance the use of technology at the local level, making service delivery more effective, transparent, and accessible. Innovation will strengthen local economic activities and contribute to job creation,” Minister Shah said.
Under the programme, Sanibheri Municipality in Rukum West will receive Rs 4.2 million for digital technology-based local service delivery, while Sharada Rural Municipality in Salyan has been allocated Rs 4.2 million for an integrated digital service and information management system.
Chaurjahari Municipality in Rukum West will implement a digital classroom management project with Rs 5.556 million, and Narayan Municipality in Dailekh will use Rs 5.5517 million for a business enterprise development project aimed at boosting local economic growth.
Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality has been granted Rs 7.5 million to strengthen its community hospital using digital innovations. Nalgad Municipality in Jajarkot will operate a technology-friendly integrated service delivery centre with Rs 2.2883 million, and Raskot Municipality in Kalikot has been allocated Rs 4.9 million to implement a “digital municipality” initiative.
Minister Shah emphasized that these projects will foster innovation at the local level, improve governance, and enhance economic development through technology.
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