KATHMANDU: Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balendra (Balen) Shah has emphasized the need for a provincial government that is capable of both taking and delegating authority.
In a discussion with Dr. Hari Prasad Lamsal, Chief Secretary to the Bagmati Province Chief Minister and Office of the Council of Ministers, who visited him on Sunday, Mayor Shah pointed out that the current provincial government has not been able to effectively manage the transfer of authority.
He stated, “We need a provincial government that can take authority from the federal government and delegate authority to strengthen the local level. Unfortunately, this situation has not yet materialized.”
Mayor Shah raised the question: “Why is there a need for a provincial government if the issues of local government are simply communicated to the federal government?”
He further added, “The federal government is already active in addressing issues like squatters and is also involved in the reform and rehabilitation of the river system. So, what is the purpose of the provincial government if it does not play a role in such matters?”
He emphasized that the provincial government should have a supportive, ‘parental’ role in local level activities, but this has not been realized.
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