Bharatpur declared best metropolis for three consecutive years

Bharatpur, February 15 — Bharatpur Metropolitan City has been declared the best metropolis in the country according to the performance evaluation conducted by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission.

Bharatpur surpassed five other metropolitan cities across the country to achieve this distinction. 

This marks the third consecutive year that Bharatpur has earned this recognition.

According to Jagannath Aryal, the Deputy Director of the Metropolitan City, the performance-based fiscal equalization grant provided to local governments by the federal government is expected to increase in the upcoming fiscal year 2082-083.

The commission evaluated the municipalities based on 17 indicators, which included expenditure, outstanding liabilities, audit discrepancies, the use of local treasury management systems, implementation of periodic plans, and revenue distribution.

It also considered whether municipalities brought their budgets within the stipulated timeframe, passed budgets, and allocated 40% of fees from land registration, entertainment, and advertisement taxes to the provincial government on a monthly basis. The municipalities were scored based on these criteria through an online portal.

Bharatpur Metropolitan City scored 76.2%, followed by Biratnagar with 73.5%, Lalitpur with 66.7%, Kathmandu with 54.3%, Pokhara with 51.5%, and Birgunj with 43.1%. 

Among the seven local levels in Chitwan district, Bharatpur secured the top position with 76.29%, while Ichhakamana Rural Municipality scored 72%, Ratnanagar Municipality 70.1%, Madi Municipality 69.1%, Khairhani Municipality 66.8%, Kalika Municipality 64.3%, and Rapti Municipality scored 43.3%.

Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal claimed that Bharatpur has consistently excelled in urban infrastructure, sports, and dispute resolution through judicial committees among the 753 local levels nationwide.

She expressed gratitude to the elected representatives and staff who contributed to this achievement and stated that this recognition is a matter of pride for the entire community of Bharatpur.