National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal Demands Protection of Local Government Rights

Nuwakot. The National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN) has drawn the attention of the federal government, claiming that efforts are being made to curtail the rights of local levels. The 10th meeting of the association's central working committee, held in Kakani, Nuwakot, issued a 15-point declaration raising serious demands regarding grant cuts, administrative interference, and staff management.

A key point of the declaration expresses strong objection to the federal government's reduction in equalization grants under fiscal transfers. The association has demanded the reversal of these cuts and for the local levels to be empowered. Furthermore, the government has been urged to introduce relief packages to control inflation and the rise in petroleum prices caused by ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

The association has opposed the federal government's tendency to issue 'orders' to local levels. 'The constitution embraces the principles of coordination, cooperation, and coexistence, but the style of issuing orders from the center to subordinate bodies is against the spirit of federalism,' the declaration states. Additionally, it has demanded that the Federal Civil Service Act and Education Act be drafted without infringing upon the rights of local governments.

The association has drawn the attention of the Government of Nepal to take immediate initiatives for the security and rescue of millions of Nepali youth in the Middle East (including Israel-Hamas regions).

With the farming season approaching, the association has demanded the smooth supply of chemical fertilizers. Similarly, it has requested the government to implement concrete programs to control wild animals like monkeys, wild boars, and nilgai that are destroying farmers' crops. All local governments have also been called upon to prepare for disaster management (fire, floods, landslides).

As the current term nears its final year, the association has urged elected representatives to prioritize the settlement of arrears, financial discipline, and the fulfillment of election commitments. It has also warned against activities that exert unnecessary pressure on or discourage employees and elected representatives in the name of new forces.

The meeting, chaired by NARMIN President Laxmi Devi Pandey, also demanded mandatory representation of local governments in the committee to be formed for constitutional amendments and the formation of an expert commission for the restructuring of ward numbers and boundaries.