Kathmandu, 25 July 2025
The Federalism and Localization Centre (FLC), in collaboration with the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee of the National Assembly, organized a high-level discussion program on the “Implementation Status of the Recommendations of the Federalism Implementation Study and Monitoring Parliamentary Special Committee.” The event was held today in Kathmandu brought together members of the Committee (12 of the 14 members committee participated in the event) to assess the progress and challenges in implementing the 99-point recommendation submitted by the Special Committee in 2022 (2079 BS). This Special Committee was formed by the National Assembly on 3 June 2022 (2079 Jestha 20), following the unanimous adoption of a resolution the previous day. The committee, chaired by then National Assembly Member Dr. Khim Lal Devkota, was mandated to study political, administrative, financial, and structural dimensions of federalism implementation.

Key Issues and Insights Raised
Participants identified key challenges and proposed actionable steps to strengthen federalism. A major takeaway was the need for the Committee to actively engage provincial and local governments to drive the implementation of its recommendations. Some of the issues raised by the Committee members are as follows:

Hon. Sonam Geljen Sherpa, Chairperson of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee, underscored that federalism emerged as a cornerstone of democratic transformation and emphasized the importance of strengthening subnational governance. “If local wards are strong, federalism becomes strong,” he urged stakeholders to recognize the positive outcomes already visible in local communities while addressing the shortcomings constructively.

Hon. Gopi Bahadur Sharki Aachhami emphasized the need for inclusive discourse on federalism, particularly within the Kshetri-Brahmin community, and stressed that political and administrative honesty is fundamental to effective federalism. Hon. Narayan Dutta Mishra pointed to a lingering centralized mindset as a major hurdle, while Hon. Jag Prasad Sharma called for the orientation of key stakeholders—including political advisors, constitutional heads, secretaries, and local government associations—on federal principles.

Hon. Kiran Babu Shrestha raised concerns about lack of clarity in administrative decision-making and inconsistencies in policies, citing confusion around the “cooling-off” period as an example. “Federalism is like new clothes—it may give discomfort at the beginning, but it will eventually fit well,” he remarked.

Hon. Uday Bahadur Bohara expressed disappointment in the pace of federalism implementation under current political leadership and called for systemic reforms. Hon. Shekhar Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of empowering provincial governments, noting that federalism was earned through struggle and should now be strengthened through action.

Hon. Rajendra Laxmi Gaire identified obstacles in staff transfers at the subnational level and delays in budget allocation as key constraints to implementation. Hon. Bishnu Kumari Sapkota commended Dr. Khim Lal Devkota’s leadership in guiding the Special Committee’s work. Hon. Manrupa Sharma criticized selective budget allocations favoring certain districts and temples, while Hon. Indira Devi Gautam stressed the need for selfless conduct by political parties and the timely passage of the Federal Civil Service Act to reinforce administrative federalism.

Other participants, including Ms. Sita Kafle Wagle (Secretary of the Committee), Mr. Dashratha Dhamala (Secretary of the Education Committee, House of Representatives), and officials who supported the Special Committee, also contributed their insights and reflections. 

Closing Observations
Dr. Khim Lal Devkota, Chairperson of FLC and former Convenor of the Special Committee, presented an overview of the 99-point report and reiterated the urgency for continued engagement to ensure its effective implementation. The program was moderated by Mr. Prakash Panth, former Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee and current Executive Director of FLC. 

This discussion marks a continued effort by FLC and the National Assembly to promote informed dialogue and collaborative action toward strengthening  federal governance system.