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Interaction Program on Provincial Issues Organized by FLC

Interaction Program on Provincial Issues Organized by FLC
Kathmandu, January 7, 2025
The Federalism and Localization Center (FLC) successfully organized an interaction and discussion program entitled "Provincial Issues in the Context of Strengthening Federalism" in Kathmandu. The program was supported by the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) of Bagmati Province.
The event saw participation from prominent political leaders, including Nepali Congress General Secretary Hon. Gagan Kumar Thapa, CPN (UML) Central Secretary Hon. Chhabilal Bishwakarma, NCP (Maoist Center) leader and former Chief Minister of Karnali Province Hon. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, among others.
In his speech, Hon. Gagan Kumar Thapa emphasized the need for provinces to effectively implement their constitutional responsibilities, noting that provinces were established to decentralize powers from the center. He called for result-oriented governance and stressed the importance of implementing constitutional provisions. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce 18 bills to Parliament, advance the delegation of authority, and amend laws related to investment and integration.
During the program, Dr. Dipendra Rokaya and Prahlad Lamichhane, members of the FLC, presented papers on "Provincial Issues." Their presentations were followed by insightful discussions involving key political leaders, federal MPs, provincial ministers, lawmakers, and officials from Bagmati Province.
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Hon. Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang chaired the event. Hon. Chhabilal Bishwakarma of the CPN (UML) acknowledged the issues raised by the FLC and committed to discussing them with his party leadership. He emphasized that resolving challenges requires collective responsibility rather than attributing blame.
Former Karnali Province Chief Minister Hon. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi shared his experience, pointing out that Nepal’s senior political leadership often lacks a federalist mindset, which has hindered the performance of provincial governments. However, he expressed optimism, stating that federalism could succeed if leaders focus on national and public interests.
Hon. Bhanu Bhakta Joshi, Central Vice President of the Unified Socialist Party, agreed that federal ministries and representatives are reluctant to delegate authority to the provinces. He noted that federal employees often avoid postings in provinces like Karnali and Madhesh, and criticized the trend of local governments relying on acting officials for operations.
The program was facilitated by FLC Chairperson Dr. Khim Lal Devkota. Remarks were also delivered by Janamat Party Vice President Dr. Jayakant Raut, Federal Parliament and Provincial Assembly Members Ms. Dipa Sharma, Ram Krishna Tamrakar, Rameshwar Shrestha, Sushila Thing, Chumi Lama,  Ranjit Chitrakar, Uddhav Thapa, and JN Thapaliya. Bagmati Province Chief Secretary Dr. Hari Lamsal , finance secretary Mr. Krishna Prasad Mainali and Bhim Dhungana, President of the Municipal Association of Nepal, also addressed the gathering.
The discussion was moderated by FLC Executive Director Prakash Pantha, while FLC member and former MP Dil Kumari Thapa Rawal (Parvati) delivered the welcome address.

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