Balen Shah calls for provincial government to empower local bodies

Kathmandu, January 12 — The Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balen Shah, has emphasized the need for a provincial government that can empower local governments. He expressed that, under the current circumstances, there is no sense of such empowerment from the provincial government.

During a meeting with Dr. Hari Prasad Lamsal, Chief Secretary of the Bagmati Province Chief Minister’s Office on Sunday, Shah stated, "If the local government's problems need to be raised with the federal government, then what is the purpose of having a provincial government? Even when issues like the problems of landless people arise, the federal government is active. Similarly, the federal government takes interest in improving and restoring river systems. When the provincial government is not visible in such matters, what is its existence? The provincial government should play a parental role in the work of local governments, but that has not happened."

Shah also pointed out that due to the provincial government's revised entertainment tax rate in the current fiscal year, the revenue collection of the metropolitan city has decreased. He urged that the fiscal bill be amended during the winter session to continue with the previous year's rate.

The meeting also saw the participation of Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr. Lamsal mentioned that the current situation has arisen due to a lack of political and administrative dialogue between the provincial and local governments. He assured, "I will make efforts to manage administrative matters and create an environment for political dialogue."