Rights should be devolved to provinces to boost federalism, insists Lumbini province CM

Lumbini, May 26: The Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has said that the rights granted by the constitution must be delegated to the province for the strengthening of federalism.

Addressing the coordination meeting between the members of the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly held today in the provincial capital Rapti Valley (Deukhuri), Chief Minister Acharya viewed that power should be devolved to the provinces in such a way that there is no reduction in the rights conferred by the Constitution.

"I have understood that the rights bestowed by the constitution require the significant role of the elected representatives to be endorsed by the federal government or federal parliament. I have faith that you will fulfill that role," he said.

Chief Minister Acharya stated that the province is facing financial problems due to the federal government not sending the equalization grant amount. 

"Last year, a large amount of grant for equalization did not come. As a result, the province is still facing a financial crisis," the Chief Minister complained.

Stating that the constitution has ensured the equalization grant, he said but issues such as budget cuts and non-availability of funds have affected the development projects initiated by the province.

CM Acharya said Lumbini Province has prioritized law making and implementation, and clarified that continuous coordination and cooperation between the members of the federal parliament and provincial assembly is necessary for the effectiveness of parliamentary practices including law making and implementation.

The programme was presided over by Speaker of Lumbini Province Assembly, Tularam Gharti Magar and attended by Deputy Chairperson of the National Assembly Bimala Ghimire, ministers of Lumbini Province, and members of the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly. (RSS)