Ward Chairpersons Request Project List from MP Bina Gurung

Pokhara. Ward chairpersons have sent a formal letter to Bina Gurung, Member of Parliament from Kaski Constituency No. 3, requesting a list of projects falling within their wards. Ward chairpersons of Ward No. 8 and 9 of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality have formally written a letter seeking details of projects included in the federal budget.

Local levels are currently in the process of preparing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. They have written the letter citing the risk of duplication between local and federal projects due to a lack of information on what projects have been approved by the federal and provincial governments. Ward chairpersons of Machhapuchhre Ward 8, Ram Bahadur Gurung, and Ward 9, Haribahadur Chhetri (Rajendra), have requested a list of projects included in the federal government's upcoming budget.

"There is a possibility of duplication in the absence of clear project details. Information is necessary to make the project formulation and budget allocation process effective and transparent," their letter states. Both ward chairpersons have written separate letters. Previously, Ward No. 8 had requested budget for 24 projects and Ward No. 9 for 7 projects.

It is stated that the budget has not been allocated to any projects. Not only the ward chairpersons but also leaders and cadres of her own party have questioned MP Gurung. Navraj Adhikari, party secretary of Machhapuchhre Ward 8, drew attention to the villagers' demand for a list of projects. He suggested improvements, stating that the distance between the MP and the citizens is increasing.

"We had hoped for a new political culture, disappointed with the old parties. But if there is no dialogue with the public, if the concerns of the cadres are ignored, and if even information about development projects is not provided, then what is the difference between the new and old political practices?" he questioned.

Following questions from public representatives and cadres, MP Gurung posted information about financial transfers on social media. She provided information about the amount received by the 5 local levels of Kaski from intergovernmental financial transfers for the upcoming fiscal year 2083-084.

She stated that details about additional budget will be made public after some time. "Many people have complained that the budget did not reach my ward. Firstly, naturally, the government does not have enough budget," she said. "Secondly, not all projects we submit receive budget, and thirdly, the government prioritizes the most essential ones. In any case, efforts will be made again next year."

In previous years, MPs used to mention on their letterheads how much budget was allocated through their initiatives and post it. However, after this year's budget speech, no one has posted such details.