National Assembly Member Madankumari Sah Accuses Government of Acting Against Federalism

Kathmandu. National Assembly member Madankumari Sah has accused the current government of acting against the spirit and essence of federalism. Speaking at the National Assembly meeting on Friday, MP Sah stated that the government has completely failed to prepare the necessary administrative, financial, and legal foundations for the effective implementation of federalism. Explaining federalism as a means to achieve unity in diversity and decentralize power, she noted that it has not been properly protected and promoted in Nepal. Commenting that the nature of the budget is contrary to the principles of federalism, she claimed that allocating only about 14 percent of the total budget to the provinces indicates a mindset of keeping power and resources centralized. She argued that provincial governments have not been able to perform as expected due to cuts in financial transfers and the lack of federal laws. She warned that the concentration of power is a game to make the 10-year-old republic and federalism fail, and such actions are unacceptable. Expressing strong dissatisfaction with the government's style of functioning, she said, 'Federalism, achieved after long struggles and sacrifices, is not being nurtured as it should be. Especially, the central government has not prioritized relatively weaker provinces like Sudurpashchim, Karnali, and Madhesh. In Kathmandu, houses of the poor are being demolished, and bravery is being boasted about. 37 percent of children are deprived of education, and women are in unsafe conditions in holding centers. In such a situation, how can it be called the people's government?' In the meeting, MP Sah termed the government as anti-poor, targeting the bulldozer campaign in Kathmandu. She raised serious questions about the government's sensitivity, stating that the poor and landless people are being made homeless without proper alternatives. Raising the issue of administrative anarchy, she said that threats of physical attack from responsible ministers and increasing incidents of murder and violence in society are a matter of concern. She commented that there is a big gap between the promises made by the government before the election and its current style of functioning. She also accused the government of encouraging youth exodus by sending passports to every household, despite promising to bring back the youth who had gone abroad, and of remaining silent on the issue of the national map. She urged the government to follow the constitution, laws, and procedures and work in favor of the people.