Nepal to launch program for timely local government budget approvals

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Federal Affairs and General Administration is set to implement a special facilitation program to ensure that local governments draft, approve, and implement their annual policies, programs, and budgets within the legally stipulated timeframe.

According to a concept paper prepared by the ministry, this initiative is being launched because 159 local governments failed to update their budget and program details on time in the last fiscal year, and 49 local governments had not passed their budgets by Shrawan 12.

Through this program, the ministry aims to create an environment for timely budget approval at the local level, reduce the impact of distribution-focused and small-scale plans, promote financial governance, and support the formulation of result-oriented plans.

To achieve this, the ministry has formed three on-site facilitation teams led by joint secretaries. These teams will visit local governments to conduct discussions, interactions, and coordination meetings with elected representatives, officials, and stakeholders. They will identify issues in budget and program approval at the local level and recommend solutions.

The ministry has arranged for local government chiefs, deputy chiefs, elected representatives, and chief administrative officers to sign a commitment to pass budgets on time and avoid including small-scale plans.

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, stated that the ministry has advanced the facilitation campaign to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and responsibility among elected representatives and officials.

Minister Rawal also clarified that the ministry is committed to providing necessary support and coordination to resolve issues faced by local governments.