Local Level should be considered as government – Chairperson Dhungana

Kathmandu – Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Chairperson of the Association of Nepalese Municipalities and Mayor of Nilkantha Municipality in Dhading, has stated that since the term “local level” is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution, it should be regarded as government.

Speaking as a special guest at the book launch ceremony of ‘Gaun Gaun ma Singhadarbar’, published by Apsara Gautam in Kathmandu, Dhungana urged that the local government should also be understood as government, since it is referred to as the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, in law. He emphasized that even though local levels have been granted significant authority, budget constraints prevent them from carrying out certain tasks, and therefore, the association and provincial governments should transfer authority to local levels.

Having contributed his own article to the book, he said that the slogan of “Gaun Gaun ma Singhadarbar” cannot be fully implemented until there is a change in everyone’s mindset. He also stressed the need to correct certain aspects in the Constitution.

Dhungana mentioned that disputes among the rights mentioned in the Constitution have caused some problems. He suggested that each level of government should focus on exercising only its own authority. He also noted that the inclusion of the same subject in multiple places in the Constitution creates confusion over which level has the authority.

He praised the Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister, Bhagwati Nyaupane, for implementing a policy to leave the position of Acting Chief Administrative Officer vacant in local levels. He also urged everyone to remember the role played by local levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book includes contributions from 33 individuals, including provincial chief ministers, speakers, provincial heads, constitutional experts, former ministers, journalists, federalism experts, and members of parliament. The 300-page book covers topics related to all three levels of government.