PM Shah: Government Committed to Empowering Provinces

Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stated that the government has placed high priority on the empowerment of provinces and the effective implementation of rights guaranteed by the constitution.

In a meeting held on Friday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar to discuss recent contemporary developments in the Terai-Madhesh region, Prime Minister Shah remarked that federalism will be strengthened and provinces will become further empowered only through the full and effective implementation of the constitution.

Noting that the practice of federalism has been continuously progressing since the promulgation of the constitution, Prime Minister Shah clarified that the government is committed to the effective delegation of authority from the central government to the provinces, and from the provinces to the local levels.

Highlighting that the budget presented by the government is inclusive, he stated that it aims to address the interests of all geographical regions, communities, and marginalized groups in the country.

He also reiterated his commitment as Prime Minister to look upon all Nepali citizens with equal regard, affirming that the Prime Minister's Office remains equally accountable to every citizen.

Emphasizing that under the current sensitive circumstances, no compromise can be made on the fundamental values of the constitution, the democratic system, the rule of law, and national unity, he urged all parties to exercise restraint.

"Only when the constitution is strong will the future of all Nepalis be secure," Prime Minister Shah said, calling upon all political parties, social and religious leaders, as well as general citizens, to stand firmly in favor of dialogue, restraint, and national unity.

The meeting saw the participation of Terai-Madhesh leaders including Mahantha Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, Lalbabu Raut, Ram Kumar Sharma, Samim Miya Ansari, Prabhu Sah, Sharat Singh Bhandari, and Dr. C.K. Raut, among others.

On the occasion, the participating leaders presented their suggestions and views on contemporary issues in the Terai-Madhesh region, security challenges, guarantees of good governance, and the effective implementation of federalism.