Dialogue Details

event-3

National Assembly in Strengthening Federalism

December 23, 2025 

Kathmandu 

Federalism and Localisation Center (FLC) organized an event entitled National Assembly in Strengthening Federalism. The event brought together members of the Assembly and provincial leaders and the electorals of the Assembly. Dr. Khim Lal Devkota, Chair of FLC presided over the program and presented a paper highlighting the significance of National Assembly in strengthening federalism. The participants discussed various aspects of National Assembly and its role in strengthening federalism. Most importantly they discussed the upcoming election of National Assembly on Magh 11 and how can the process of electing the new members will strengthen the provincial governments and make the Assembly more effective in discharging its constitutional mandates.  

Honorable Surendra Raj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, was the chief guest of the event. In his remarks he appreciated the GenZ generation for their contribution in the revived political debate and the assertion for reform. He further asserted that there are differences in how the House of Representatives and National Assembly is treated by the government and general perception He also added that due to the lack of resources and inadequate rights provincial governments have not been able to deliver on their constitution-mandated responsibilities. Honorable Bimala Ghimere, Vice Chair of National Assembly, was the special guest, emphasized the importance of expertise as the basis of National Assembly selection. Honorable Sonam Geljen Sherpa emphasized the contribution of federalism in bringing real change. He asserted that his village in Solukhumbu can be seen as an example for that. He further asserted that NA has many more to do in order to strengthen federalism more effectively. Honorable Maya Prasad Sharma emphasized that in the absence of House of Representatives, the significance of National Assembly has increased and it should be treated that way. Honorable Tulasha Kumari Dahal highlighted that national politics impact provincial government which is against its sovereignty. Mr. Radheshyam Adhikary reflected that there is a strong need to understand the origins of federalism. By drawing on the trajectory of federalism he said federalism is the product of a pursuit of decentralization that started in 2007 (BS) by Vedanada Jha and through numerous tests and trials we got this shape of federalism. Without this understanding we can’t fully grasp the importance of federalism in Nepal. 

Other participants also spoke on the importance of National Assembly in strengthening federalism and Provincial governments like Ram Narayan Bidari, Jasmine Ojha, Sita Kaphle Wagle, Nima Lama, Ms. Radha Ghale, Mr. Prahlad Lamichhane, Mr. Majid Ansari, Mr. Khim Lal Bhattrai, Ms. Urmila Aryal, Mr. Gopal Krishna Neupane, Mr. Gaurav Pandey asserted that NA is an important constitutional institution with enormous potentials to bring forth real change in Nepal, including strengthening federalism. They highlighted a thorough process of election and members elected on the basis of merit and expertise is the need of the time.

The program, facilitated by Mr. Prakash Pantha, Executive Director of (FLC), and Ms. Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa (Parbati) welcomed the dignitaries and gave the opening remarks. This report is prepared by Mr. Prahlad Lamichhane and Mr. Mohd Ayub.

Dialogue List
Share With Social Media