CPN-UML Parliamentary Party Leader Dangal Highlights Centralized Mindset Hindering Federalism

Kathmandu. CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party Leader in the National Assembly, Prem Prasad Dangal, has stated that a centralized mindset still hinders the effective implementation of federalism. Speaking at the National Assembly meeting on Friday, leader Dangal expressed concern that provincial governments have not been able to deliver services effectively as envisioned by the constitution. Targeting the questions arising about the jurisdiction, form, and relevance of provinces, he mentioned that the necessary coordination between the three tiers of government has not been achieved. Although the constitution mandates a federal democratic republican governance system, he stated that criticism is growing as provinces have not been able to deliver as expected in practical practice. Leader Dangal said that police adjustment is a major challenge in empowering provincial governments. Similarly, he pointed out that administrative federalism has weakened due to the mindset of employees not wanting to go to the provinces and local levels and preferring to stay in the center. He argued that the problem has worsened due to the inability to manage staff in the positions created according to the O&NM survey and the tendency of deployed employees to return immediately. Stating that provinces still have to depend on the center for budget and financial equalization grants, leader Dangal raised the issue of economic self-reliance. He mentioned that provinces cannot become economically strong by not being able to manage issues within provincial jurisdiction such as forests, water use, and mineral exploration. He also emphasized the need to immediately resolve the legal complications faced by provinces in acquiring land for establishing offices or operating projects. Targeting the delay by the federal government, he said, 'Although the act related to police adjustment has come, the handover process has not moved forward. The operation of small plans worth lakhs and two lakhs from the center itself is the height of centralized mentality.' He strongly objected to the central government still allocating budgets for small and fragmented projects. He demanded that such small projects should be immediately transferred to the local and provincial levels. He suggested that instead of getting entangled in small development constructions, the federal government should focus its attention only on strategic tasks such as large national pride projects, poverty alleviation, and job creation.