We are setting the pace for good governance, not just following the centre’s lead

Provinces are prepared to advocate for their constitutional rights. People need services now, not when the centre finally gets around to it.

Since the inception of federalism in Nepal, the provincial tier of government has faced constant criticism for being a redundant layer that merely increases government expenditure. The Rastriya Swatantra Party, which now commands a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, had previously proposed to introduce an alternative model where provinces exist but function without provincial legislatures to reduce administrative costs. The Balen Shah-led government has rejuvenated hope with a recent meeting with the Chief Ministers of all seven provinces and his speech in Dhanusha during his election campaign trail.