Moula-pur Mayor Expresses Shock Over Suspension of Popular Public Services

Rautahat. The mayor of Rautahat's Moulapur Municipality, Rinakumari Sah, has expressed surprise over the suspension of payments for popular programs run by the municipality, such as 'Free Electricity, Free Water,' and cash assistance for daughters' weddings.

Mayor Sah is angered by the Chief Administrative Officer's decision to halt payments for these popular programs, which have been running for years, citing 'orders from above.'

'An attempt is being made to create chaos in Moulapur by citing orders from above. I am surprised as to who is conspiring to stop the services and facilities that the city dwellers have been receiving. Local governments must be allowed to work according to the constitution and law; no interference against the law will be accepted. I want to tell Prime Minister Balendra Shah that you are an experienced person in running a local government. Therefore, during your tenure, provide an environment for local governments to work according to the law. We will not accept any action that stops the services and facilities that the people of Moulapur have been receiving under any pretext,' said Mayor Sah.

'The officer sent by your federal government sets the meeting agenda himself and asks the deputy mayor to certify the decisions. Is this not an act contrary to prevailing laws and values? If so, stop such actions immediately,' she added.

Moulapur Municipality is famous across the country for its similar popular programs. She stated that no one can stop such work, as its popular and good programs are being followed by other municipalities as well. She also expressed confidence that a solution would be found soon.

However, after the payment of these popular programs was stopped, the local residents have formed a struggle committee and announced a phased protest. The struggle committee, which has been conducting interactions and collecting signatures in various localities since April 26, has announced its protest programs: submitting a memorandum to the Nepal government through the Chief District Officer on April 28, protesting at the municipality on May 4, and locking down the municipality from May 17.