'Small projects to be handed to province, local bodies'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 11: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that federalism would be strengthened by transferring small-scale projects, currently managed by the federal government, directly to the provincial and local governments.

Speaking at the inauguration programme of the newly constructed administrative building of 

Darma Rural Municipality in Salyan on Friday, PM Prachanda announced plans to bolster federalism by revising policies and schedules 

related to the budget starting this year.

“To eliminate duplications, projects less than Rs.30 million will be directly delegated to provincial and 

local governments. These endeavours will fortify the federal 

democratic republic,” said PM Prachanda, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s secretariat. 

He said that in his third stint as the Prime Minister, his primary focus was on the effective implementation of federalism. 

He highlighted that during his tenure, two meetings of the National Coordination Council were convened, which made significant decisions.

PM Prachanda expressed the belief that effective implementation of federalism at the local level could facilitate significant advancements in strategically crucial areas such as natural resource preservation, multifaceted mobilisation, rural economic empowerment, enhancement of social indicators and streamlined service delivery. 

PM Prachanda expressed his belief that the proper implementation of the lists of common rights at the provincial and local levels would enhance not only the rural economy but also make a qualitative contribution to the overall development of the national economy.

PM Prachanda emphasised 

that understanding the perspectives of these stakeholders, as well as 

security forces, is crucial for assessing the service delivery in the respective areas.

“The government’s image is shaped by the agility and responsiveness of service delivery. Hence, local governments and people’s representatives must foster a sense of affinity and belonging among citizens and towards the state,” he added.

PM Prachanda affirmed that the government would undertake essential initiatives for blacktopping roads connecting Darma to Farula from Rolpa to Salyan, Rukum Pashchim to Chaurjahari, and Jumla district through Jajarkot. 

Furthermore, he assured that the federal government would extend support by designating Darma as a milk pocket area through dairy cooperatives.

Prime Minister Prachanda emphasised that the federal government would prioritise several key initiatives, including the construction of housing for Jajarkot 

earthquake victims, electrification projects, modernisation and commercialisation of agriculture and animal husbandry, ensuring basic health services and providing equalisation subsidies.

As soon as the Truth and Reconciliation Act is promulgated, it will be easy to solve the problem of real estate registered by the ‘people’s government’ in Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, Jajarkot and other districts in the long term, he said.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of addressing key issues such as honouring martyrs, providing relief to conflict-affected families, ensuring children’s education and supporting parenting initiatives.

He extended his gratitude for the solidarity exhibited by Salyan district and Darma Rural Municipality, acknowledging their significant contributions to Nepal's transformative endeavours and support of transformational policies and leadership.