Provinces press prime minister over unmet demands for key powers : Chief ministers say delays in police adjustment, civil service law have stymied provinces, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/11/2024)

Where is the unbundling exercise? Delay in its process continues to hinder effective federalism in Nepal, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 13/11/2024)

Parties expedite candidate selection for local by-polls : The by-elections will be held on December 1 for various positions that have gone vacant (kp 07/11/2024) [The national level of the parties should have no say in the selection of local candidates!]

Congress-UML form body to support governments : Central body of two coalition partners announces Prime Minister Oli’s December 2-6 China visit (kp 07/11/2024) [Further proof that Nepal is at best a pseudo-federal state, but in reality still a centralised state in which everything has to be under the control of the national political level!]

Federalism insights from local leaders : For many, decentralisation and fiscal empowerment are central to the federalism debate, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 30/10/2024)

सशक्त संघीयता [Strong federalism] (nag 28/102024)

Karnali Province gets no land for an admin building despite years of search : Leaders believe Kathmandu’s refusal to give them land for the purpose shows Centre’s reluctance to devolve power, by Jyotee Katuwal (kp) [Further proof that Nepal is not a federal state! The country is still under the complete control of the centralised male high-caste elite in Kathmandu. In a federal system, this would clearly be the province's responsibility! Nine years on, provinces don’t have their own civil administration]

Behind rightists’ inflated optimism : It is necessary to extend the state’s arms to the beneficiaries of public services, by Achyut Wagle (kp 22/10/2024)

Provincial struggles and opportunities : Effective budget formulation and execution are vital for provinces to take care of local development priorities, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 21/10/2024)

Who owns federalism? The biggest challenge to Nepal’s federal polity is failure to implement administrative federalism, by Achyut Wagle (kp 08/10/2024)

Stability and the need for constitutional change : Did the federal system fail or was it rather the politicians and parties?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 03/10/2024)

Empowering provinces : Though evolving, federalism in Nepal can potentially transform governance and development, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 02/10/2024)

Rastriya Janamorcha to initiate Kathmandu-centric movement against federalism (kh 22/09/2024)

Provinces turn up heat on federal government for police adjustment : Koshi provincial government has forwarded a 10-point demand to the National Development Action Committee (kp 21/09/2024)

CMs’ insights on federalism : They highlight the urgent need for reforms in Nepal’s federal system, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 18/09/2024)

Provincial structure cannot be removed: Deuba (kh 17/09/2024)

Instability Hits Provincial Administration, by Mukti Rijal (rn 12/09/2024) [Here, too, special thanks go to the anti-democrats Oli, Dahal and Deuba, who abuse federalism as a tool of their centralist thinking for the purpose of their personal power interests!]

Provincial planning and budgeting : It is grounded in a strong legal framework, ensuring transparency, accountability and effective resource allocation, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 04/09/2024)

Coordination for effective federalism : A centralised mindset has hindered the effective implementation of the IGR law, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 21/08/2024)

Two-party deal short of giving provinces promised stability : The Congress-UML agreement suggests that the change in federal coalition will sway provincial governments, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 04/08/2024) [The so-called top politicians do not want a federal system. In their centralised way of thinking, they want to keep everything under their direct control. The provinces serve them only to provide posts for their clientele and to satisfy subordinate politicians who have to obey their orders. The decisions regarding the provinces are made exclusively by the high-caste lords in Kathmandu.]

Provincial Chiefs of Bagmati, Lumbini, and Karnali reshuffled (kh 29/07/2024), President Paudel appoints new provincial chiefs in Bagmati, Lumbini and Karnali provinces (rep 31/07/2024)

Wealth distribution among provinces : The wealth distribution data from the 2021 census provides essential insights for targeted policy interventions, by Hem Raj Regmi (kp 26/07/2024)

Are the provinces truly a burden? The institutionalisation of the provinces has been neglected by the federal government and key party leaders alike, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 24/07/2024)

Chief ministers of Bagmati and Lumbini resign : Congress’ Bahadur Singh Lama may become Bagmati chief minister, by Subash Bidari and Birendra KC (kp) [The centralised carousel of power continues to turn in supposedly federal Nepal!]

Bolster Federalism For Good Governance, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 16/07/2024)

UML withdraws support to provincial governments : Pullout leaves Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara’s government in Lumbini and Dirgha Bahadur Sodari’s government in Sudurpaschim in minority, by Ghan Shyam Gautam and Arjun Shah (kp 05/07/2024) [The anti-federal behaviour of centrist politicians continues uninterrupted!]

Police readjustment: Provinces to pile pressure on Centre. Repeated calls to adjust police force at the provincial level and promulgate federal civil service law have been ignored, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/06/2024) [Will the centralist, anti-federal attitudes of top politicians and parties ever change?], Don’t police provinces : The protracted police personnel adjustment saga is an outcome of the old reluctance to empower provinces (kp 01/07/2024)

Fiscal and governance issues at local levels: It is vital to address fiscal and administrative challenges for effective governance and service delivery, by Khim Kak Devkota (kp 26/06/2024)

An alternative view of federalism : It is about getting rid of the structure of powers steered by the forces behind colonization, by Simone Galimberti (ae 21/06/2024)

Governing Norm For Provincial Budget, by Mukti Rijal (rn 20/06/2024)

Provincial governments unveil annual budgets for new fiscal year 2024-25 : Most of them focus on infrastructure, agriculture and the social safety net (kp 16/06/2024)

Functional Federalism Brings Balanced Development, by Ranju Kafle (rn 14/06/2024)

Provincial budgets suffer federal neglect : As the central government significantly reduces fiscal transfers, federalism remains as undermined as ever, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 12/06/2024)

Politicians, experts offer ways to make provinces viable : Congress General Secretary Thapa joins the chorus seeking reforms in the unstable provincial setup, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 09/06/2024) [It is not the federal system that is the problem, but the lack of understanding and the anti-federal attitude of politicians and parties. A return to a purely direct election system would only promote the socially anti-inclusive manipulations of power-hungry top politicians, but would not bring about political stability!], Problem lies in politicians, not provinces : Leaders squander majority, issue ordinance to help parties split and then blame the federal system for instability, interview with Prithvi Subba Gurung, deputy general secretary, CPN-UML (kp 10/06/2024)

Ministry of Sports deprives provincial and local levels of conditional grants for sports infrastructure (kh 08/06/2024)

Provincial games of throne : Those who fought for democracy and federalism will look for options if governments change frequently (kp 07/06/2024)

A budget that overlooks federalism : The government prioritises strengthening federalism, but the policies don’t reflect that, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 29/05/2024)

Government allocates Rs 60 billion to provinces and Rs 88 billion to local governments (kh 28/05/2024)

Fiscal federalism update : The national budget should acknowledge provincial and local governments, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 15/05/2024)

Fiscal federalism progressing at a moderate pace (ae 14/05/2024)

Small projects will be handed to Province and Local levels: PM Prachanda (rn 10/05/2024) [You still have an extremely centralist mindset, Mr Dahal! In a federal state, provinces and local levels have the right and should also have the means to decide on and implement independent projects. They do not have to be decided and delegated by the national government. That is not federalism!]

Avoid Duplication For Resource Efficiency, by Mukti Rijal (rn 09/05/2024)

Problem in provinces : The provincial-level leaders should stop acting as puppets of their political masters in Kathmandu (kp 30/04/2024)

New provincial cabinets slow to take full shape : From court cases to differences among ruling partners, chief ministers are struggling to appoint ministers (kp 25/04/2024) [Nepal's so-called top politicians lack any understanding of federalism. They identify democracy with power struggles and are thus destroying the future of the country!]

Not how it works : The undue involvement of province heads and speakers in provincial politics is most troubling (kh 23/04/2024) [Politicians see themselves as being above the law and not responsible to parliament, the judiciary and the people!]

After Gandaki, government formation in Sudurpaschim challenged in court : The Nepali Congress has accused both provincial heads of flouting the constitution (kp 22/04/2024)

Provincial heads proxies of Kathmandu to meddle in regional politics: Congress. The main opposition is unhappy with their roles in Sudurpaschim and Gandaki provinces, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/04/2024) [The role of the Governor or Chief of State in the Constitution is confusing and fits the misconception of federalism. Although executive power lies with the Provincial Council of Ministers, there is a representative of the central government, whom the Constitution calls "Chief of State", but who is bound by the directives and recommendations of the Provincial Council of Ministers. A representative of the national government should not be called "Chief of State". This reflects centralised state thinking!], Government formation in provinces getting knottier : Experts blame central leaders’ interference and the electoral system for instability in all provinces, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 19/04/2024), Provincial bottlenecks : The crises in provinces arise from the duplicity of political parties (kp 19/04/2024)

Revisiting provincial structures : Instability in the provincial governments is unacceptable. Such turmoil has dissatisfied the public, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 17/04/2024)

Why Federalism has Become Risky for Nepalese Democracy, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep 17/04/2024) [The problem is not federalism, but the politicians' lack of understanding of democracy and federalism!]

Nepal’s Struggle with Federalism, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 12/04/2024)

In Gandaki this time : Major parties are adding to the unpopularity of provinces and also doing grave damage to the constitution (kp 09/04/2024)

Pro-monarchy RPP emerges kingmaker in provinces : Ruling coalition turns to it to form provincial governments after a month of abandonment. Party still non-committal, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/04/2024) [The anti-republican, anti-secular and anti-federal RPP is trying to use the weaknesses of the other parties to destroy the few important achievements after Jana Andolan II as soon as possible! And the repeatedly failed top politicians clinging to power are too stupid to realise this!]

Lumbini, Sudurpaschim chief ministers quit without facing votes of confidence : The provincial governments collapsed as a consequence of the shift in the federal coalition, by Ghanshyam Gautam and Arjun Shah (kp 05/04/2024)

Gandaki, Karnali chief ministers resign in changed political situation : Dispute between Nagarik Unmukti Party leader couple Ranjita and Resham heats up Sudurpaschim politics, by Pratiksha Kafle, Tripri Shahi and Arjun Shah (kp 04/04/2024)

Ruling alliance decides allocations of CMs in seven provinces (rep 02/04/2024) [What anti-democratic bollocks! In a federal state, the parties of the national government have no say over the provincial governments!], UML secures CM post in Karnali Province following federal-level consensus (kh 02/04/2024) [Long live the non-existent federal state thanks to the centralist attitude of the national party leaders!]

Nepal’s federal fed-up : The institutionalisation of federal intervention will erode provincial democracy and autonomy, by Semanta Dahal (kp 24/03/2024)

Power shift at centre, turmoil in provinces : Chief ministers scramble to save positions by expanding Cabinets in a last-ditch effort, by Pratiksha Kafle and Ajit Tiwari (kp 21/03/2024) [This is a consequence of the Nepalese politicians' misunderstanding of federalism!]

Reinvigorate Provincial Governments, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 19/03/2024)

Federalism brings services and politics closer to people, interview with EU Ambassador Lorenzo by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 18/03/2024)

Three new province heads sworn in : President Ramchandra Paudel appoints new province heads of Madhesh, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim on government’s recommendation (kp 14/03/2024)

Federalism For Effective Governance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 13/03/2024)

Cabinet recommends President Poudel to dismiss governors of three provinces, appoint new ones (rep 11/03/2024)

Sudurpashchim CM Shah appoints three ministers from Nagarik Unmukti Party (kh 09/03/2024), Nagarik Unmukti Party to take action against members joining NC-led Sudurpaschim government (kh 09/03/2024)

Federal government overstepping provincial and local authorities: Study : Parliamentary study calls for removing federal offices that encroach on the jurisdictions of subnational governments (kp 09/03/2024)

Deputy Speaker raps centre’s reluctance to empower provinces : Nari magazine hosts ‘Nirbhik Nari’ interaction in Biratnagar of Koshi Province (kp 07/03/2024)

Lawmaking at the local level : Unlike the local laws, delegated laws enforced by the centre reportedly promote corruption, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 06/03/2024)

Political changes in Kathmandu make provincial governments shaky : As UML comes into ruling fold and the Congress shifts to the opposition bench, provinces are feeling the ripples (kp 06/03/2024) [The misunderstanding of federalism on the part of Nepalese politicians is unbearable!],
Bagmati Province: NC ministers resigning en masse today (kh 06/03/2024), Maoist Centre withdraws support to Lumbini Province government (rn), CPN (Maoist Centre) withdraws support to Sudur Pashchim govt (rn 06/03/2024) [This is a fine federal state. All decisions on the provincial governments are made and ordered by the national leadership of the parties!], CPN (Maoist Center) withdraws support from Gandaki Province government (kh 06/03/2024), CPN-UML announces ministerial picks (kh 06/03/2024), Lumbini Province CM suspends two Maoist Center ministers amidst political turmoil (kh 06/03/2024), Six Nepali Congress ministers resign in Bagmati Province (kh 06/03/2024), Karnali Province witnesses Cabinet reshuffle following federal govt changes (kh 07/03/2024), Unified Socialist withdraws support from Sudurpaschim provincial govt (kh 07/03/2024)

Nine years after adopting federal constitution, federal civil service law remains elusive : Government registered the new bill at Parliament for second time after the previous bill was withdrawn in 2021 after gathering dust for more than two years at the lower house (kp 05/03/2024)

Small parties demand CM positions for support in PM Dahal’s new government formation (kh 05/03/2024) [Yes, Nepal is still a centralised state. Politics at provincial level are always closely linked to events at national level! This is not federalism!], CPN (Maoist Center) ministers suspended in Gandaki Province amid political shifts (kh 05/03/2024), Sudurpaschim Province CM Shah suspends three Maoist Center ministers (kh 05/03/2024), Three ministers from NC resign in Karnali, by Rajani Yogi (rn 05/03/2024), Bagmati Province: NC ministers resigning en masse today (kh 06/03/2024)

The accelerated mass migration out of rural mountains is proof that federalism is malfunctioning, by Chetan Adhikari (nt 01/03/2024) [Those responsible are the so-called top politicians who insist on centralised power and who, despite their constant failures, declare that they are indispensable!]

Federalism implementation in priority, says Prime Minister Dahal (nlt 29/02/2024) [A basic prerequisite for this would be for politicians and parties at national level to finally abandon their centralised mindset. For example, they must stay out of provincial politics or if the national government changes, this must not have any influence on the provincial governments! Another task of federalism is the decentralisation of power and better inclusion of the regional population, something that the Hindu monarchy had failed to do for centuries!]

Federalism unleashes ernormous potential: PM Dahal (kh 19/02/2024) [Why do you and your autocratic colleagues like Oli and Deuba not implement and develop the federal system, but abuse it for your own power interests?]

MoFAGA prepares draft bill to suspend local executive for six months (rep 17/02/2024) [A serious attack on democracy and federalism!]

Seven years is not a long time for federalism’s institutionalisation, EU envoy says : Presenting a strong defence of federalism, she said that Nepal’s constitution provides for political stability (kp 16/02/2024)

Address Chief Ministers’ concerns, PM tells Singhadurbar (ae 09/02/2024) [This concern is so fundamental that a head of government should have some idea of what this should look like, which he has so far been actively involved in preventing! A PM cannot delegate everything!]

Law was revised in 2020 to add provision for exchanging excess land or selling it to pay liabilities after firm closure, by Binod Ghimire (kp), Federal government buys time to set up provincial police, devolve powers : Local units want significant shares of radio frequency royalty, taxes raised from natural resources, and other rights, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/02/2024) [Still no real interest of the central level in the implementation of the federal system!]

Province has become a burden, it should be revoked: Chitra Bahadur KC (kh 07/02/2024) [It is not the federal system as such that is in danger of failing, it is the anti-federalist and anti-democratic policies of the parties and their leaders that are responsible for this!]

Nepal's economy and federalism : Confronting the policy blunders of the past is a must for the renewal of the faltering federal republic, by Kiran Paudel (kp 04/02/2024)

Orphanising federalism : There is a lack of research-based policy-making institutions within the government system, by Achyut Wagle (kp 30/01/2024)

The neglect of federalism : Concentration of power at Singha Durbar overshadows the idea of grassroots-level governance, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 24/01/2024)

Gandaki CM Pandey demands adequate rights to province (kh 23/01/2024)

entre should have a reserve force for contingencies : The police adjustment process should be handled more cautiously as police personnel work with arms and ammunition, interview with Jaya Mukunda Khanal (kp 22/01/2024)

Provinces versus Kathmandu : Attitude towards federalism in Nepal is still marked with scepticism, by Semanta Dahal (kp 21/01/2024)

Impact Of Federalisation On Healthcare, by Pallav Bhusal (rn 19/01/2024)

PM instructs completion of police adjustment process in 15 days (kh 17/01/2024) [Being a PM or a minister is so easy! You order something and everything is implemented as it should be!], After months of pressure, Dahal orders police force adjustment across provinces : Prime minister gives Home Minister Shrestha and other senior officials 15 days for the task, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/01/2024)

National Assembly can serve as a coordinating body between federal units : The upper house needs more women who have worked in the field of women’s empowerment, interview with Bimala Rai Paudyal (kp 15/01/2024) [The entire political system needs social inclusion, especially in leading positions: Women, Dalits, Muslims, Janajatis, Madheshis. Male Bahuns, for example, should only be represented by six per cent at most. Even today, they act as if they own this country! This is in contrast to the promises made by all political parties in 2006. Social unrest will be unavoidable at some point. The perverse demand for a return to Hindu state and monarchy further aggravates this!]

Six years of provincial assemblies : Around 450 laws have been enacted across the seven provinces, but they often look like a replica of federal laws., by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 10/01/2024)

Federal express : Kathmandu never really devolved power to provinces to give federalism a chance to work, by Sonia Awale (nt 05/01/2024),
The F word : Federalism has failed not because the system is flawed, but because Nepal’s politicians have (nt 05/01/2024)

PM Dahal pledges swift conclusion of essential federal acts for effective federalism implementation (kh 30/12/2023), Prime Minister Dahal reassures chief ministers on police adjustment, civil service law : Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav says he hopes the prime minister walks the talk this time around (kp 31/12/2023)

Federal government should entrust power to provinces: Madhes CM Yadav (kh 29/12/2023)

Chief Ministers of seven provinces convene in Hetauda to advocate for provincial rights (kh 28/12/2023), “Federalism creates awareness among people about their rights” (kh 28/12/2023)

Maintain Religious Tolerance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 26/12/2023)

NC Gen Secy warns of protests if federal government denies rights to provinces (kh 23/12/2023)

Chief ministers meeting this month to devise strategies : Provinces have been pressing federal government to devolve their constitutional rights (kp 16/12/2023)

Is there growing opposition to republicanism and federalism in Madhesh?, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 13/12/2023)

Prime minister buys time to address provinces’ concerns : Provincial governments press for speedy adjustment of the police force and passage of federal civil service law, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/12/2023)

Why Rastriya Swatantra Party should shed its ambivalence on federalism : We should not turn back the clock and bring Nepal to a form of semi centralized system even though many stakeholders, including the RSP, are correct in pointing out the shortcomings of provinces, by Simone Galimberti (nlt 07/12/2023)

Durga Prasai to announce “Citizen’s Government” and “Sanatan Hindu Rastra” (kh 03/12/2023) [As long as coup plotters are allowed to continue to operate with impunity, as they have repeatedly done in the recent past, there will always be new ones. The Hindu state would be a crime against Nepal's multi-ethnic society!]

Strengthen Federalism For Effective Service Delivery, by Ranju Kafle (rn 01/12/2023)

Rastriya Swatantra Party favours doing away with provinces : Provinces should be scrapped altogether or just one representative should represent a province, the party says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/12/2023) [The RSP is proving to be another male highcast party which, like the other parties, wants to control Nepal in a centralised manner. Federalism, which is more or less unwanted by all parties, could be a first important step towards better social inclusion and participation! It has therefore been one of the main demands of the non-male high-caste majority for more than 30 years. The only thing missing now is the endorsement of the Hindu state!]

Takeaways from German federalism : With less than 10 years of experience in federalism, Nepal has much to learn from Germany, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 29/11/2023), Secularism and social inclusion or Hindu state and monarchy?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 29/11/2023)

Central govt reluctant to entrust police command control to provincial govts, by Tapendra Karki (rep 29/11/2023)

Takes three to tango : A two-tier federal structure will be no different to the erstwhile unitary system (kp 28/11/2023), Cooperative federalism in Nepal and Australia : Constituent governments must cooperate to ensure the constitution’s effectiveness in dealing with national issues, by Robert French AC (kp 28/11/2023)

Home ministers of all seven provinces meeting PM Dahal today (rep 28/11/2023, Seven provinces submit their demands to Prime Minister Dahal : Dahal promises a decision upon his return from the UN climate summit in the first week next month (kp 29/11/2023)

Provinces team up to assert power : Two weeks after their month-long ultimatum to address six-point demand, the seven internal affairs ministers prepare to renew call for police, civil service laws, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/11/2023) [The politicians, who continue to think in centralised terms, are still deliberately preventing the establishment and development of the federal system!]

International conference on federalism: Takeaways for Nepal : Federalism should be a tool for creating inclusive policies around the nation and not just an end to itself, by Simone Galimberti (nlt 24/11/2023)

Experts blame centralized mindsets and bureaucracy for poor implementation of federalism : They attributed the failure of the federal system to deliver as per the people’s expectations to the centralist mindset of the politicians as well as the bureaucrats (nlt 23/11/2023) [None of the so-called leading politicians really stands for federalism and social inclusion. They are all centralist high-caste men who continue to identify Nepal exclusively with their own culture and mindset and disregard the multi-ethnicity and diversity of Nepal's cultures!]

A traffic jam in Jaleshwar : At least in Madhesh, federalism has little to do with better governance and faster development, by CK Lal (kp 22/11/2023)

Debt centralism vs federalism : Local levels having to raise loans is obvious as they are directly responsible for public services, by Achyut Wagle (kp 21/11/2023)

Handy guide to post-2006 Nepal : Krishna Hachhethu’s ‘Nation-Building and Federalism in Nepal: Contentions on Framework’ gives a blow-by-blow account of how federalism came about in Nepal, starting with the idea of ethnic federalism during the first constituent assembly, by Hisila Yami (kp 11/11/2023) [Review of Krishna Hachhethu's book "Nation-Building and Federalism in Nepal"]

Provinces rise up against Kathmandu over denied powers : Besides moving court, Madhesh issues 30-day ultimatum demanding speedy adjustment of police personnel, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/11/2023) [Oli, Dahal and Deuba are in favour of the republic but still prefer everything under the control of the national level and are therefore responsible for the post-2015 dilemma. The small but diehard RPP wants to abolish federalism and secularism and go back to the Hindu state under the leadership of the failed monarchy. This is all unconstitutional!], All-party team from Madhesh memos prime minister on provincial powers : Leaders from other provinces throw their weight behind Madhes as it wrestles Singha Durbar for authority (kp 10/11/2023)

Do something, anything : Leaders of the movement for federalism are in power, but its implementation is lacking, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 01/11/2023)

Bagmati govt files writ against federal govt (kh 30/10/2023), Federalism-related disputes pile up at Supreme Court : Six cases are sub judice and now Bagmati seeks repeal of Urban Area Public Transport (Management) Authority Act, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/10/2023)

Koshi chaos: Demurring the effectiveness of federalism. The political turbulence in Koshi Province serves as a cautionary statement for Nepal's federalism, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht 27/10/2023), Koshi Province CM Karki’s effort to form coalition govt in Koshi draws UML’s warning to exit (kh 27/10/2023) [As long as the provinces remain under the direct influence and control of the national level, federalism has no chance!]

Bureaucratic Resistance on Nepal’s Path to Federalism, by Niyati Shrestha (rep 12/10/2023)

Anti-federal moves in education : The outdated Education Act 1971 is still in force, albeit with dozens of amendments, by Achyut Wagle (kp 26/09/2023)

Delay in passing Federal Civil Service Bill poses challenge in implementing federalism (rep 21/09/2023)

Federalism vs centralised planning : Nepal's precarious socio-economic standing is the result of a highly centralised planning process, by Achyut Wagle (kp 12/09/2023)

Learning from Swiss federalism : It’s important to recognise that Nepal’s approach to federalism should be unique to itself, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 06/09/2023)

National Assembly instructs government to make crucial laws : Only 111 laws out of 151 needed to implement the federal constitution have been enacted so far, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/09/2023)

Parties prepare to form parliamentary special committee to implement federalism (rep 01/09/2023), Parties discuss setting up special panel for implementing federalism : Measures suggested by several committees and studies in the past for streamlining federal administration have yet to be adopted fully, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/09/2023)

40 laws needed to enforce constitution still lacking : In eight years, provincial and local governments unable to pass essential laws for lack of corresponding federal Acts, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/08/2023)

Residences built for province chiefs and CMs in Kathmandu against federalism: Experts, by Bhuwan Sharma (rep 29/08/2023) [This is another proof that the thinking of politicians continues to be centrist and not federalist!], Do provincial officials really need lavish abodes in the federal capital? Earlier this week, the prime minister unveiled seven buildings for chief ministers and province heads in Lalitpur, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/09/2023)

Federalizing Education and Mitigating Political Influence in Nepali Academia, by Alok K Bohara (rep 27/08/2023) [!!!]

Unbundling federalism : Higher levels of government are undermining the constitutional roles of the lower levels, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 23/08/2023)

Growing aversion towards federalism in Nepal, by Ganesh Mandal (rep 04/08/2023) [Federalism could be good in view of the social and cultural diversity as well as the regionally very different levels of development and social participation. But most top politicians and their parties have so far prevented or abused the federal approaches.]

Promises and perils of fiscal federalism : It is time to reorient our fiscal architect to bring economic wellbeing to citizens, by Gopi K Khanal (kp 03/08/2023)

So the chiefs can powwow : Establishing a chief ministers’ forum will be a big step towards strengthening federalism, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 12/07/2023)

Constitutional agencies to implement federalism smoothly remain underused : After almost three years of having the requisite law, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held the first meeting of the National Coordination Council in Pokhara on June 30, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/07/2023)

Provinces falling behind in budget expenditure : Only 49% of total budget utilized by June 15 in current Fiscal Year (kh 09/07/2023), Provinces fare worse in budget expenditure, spend only 49 percent of total budget in 11 months of current FY (rep 09/07/2023)

Navigating Nepal’s federalism, its transition and public perception : Why has the federal government failed to transfer powers even after completion of the first tenure of provincial governments? , by Niyati Shrestha (nlt 07/07/2023)

Local units flooded with funds for schemes directed by centre : Federal government’s motives questioned as budget for projects where local units have a say has been slashed, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/07/2023)

Council of hope : The federal system needs mechanisms like national and provincial coordination councils to be effective (kp 03/07/2023), Provinces Have A Long Way To Go, by Ballav Dahal (rn 03/07/2023)

Ruling coalition leaders to meet in Baluwatar to decide on Koshi govt (kh 03/07/2023) [What kind of understanding of federalism is that? Only the provincial politicians have to decide on the government of Koshi Province. Under no circumstances should this decision be taken by the politicians at the central level! What kind of presumption is that? If the provinces only serve to create more posts, you can forget the federal system!]

Chief ministers ask prime minister to facilitate implementation of federalism : Six chiefs of provincial governments meet in Pokhara, asserting their rights as Kathmandu delays crucial laws, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/07/2023), Prime minister meets chief ministers, local government representatives to discuss implementation of federalism : In the first-ever Coordination Council consultation, Pushpa Kamal Dahal vows to sort out conflicting issues, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/07/2023)

National Coordination Council meeting takes place in Pokhara (kh 01/07/2023)

Meeting of chief ministers of all seven provinces to be held in Pokhara today (rep 30/06/2023)

Provincial budgets focus on reviving economy : Most of the provinces have set aside a big chunk of their budgets for infrastructure development (kp 17/06/2023), Provincial budgets : Physical Infrastructure In Focus, by Ballav Dahal (rn 19/06/2023), Fiscal mgmt of provinces dependent less on own resources, more on federal transfers (kh 19/06/2023), Provinces follow the federal govt’s footsteps in the next fiscal year’s budget (ae 19/06/2023), Provinces depend more on federal transfers for fiscal management (ht 20/06/2023)

Budget ‘mocks’ federalism, by Dilip Paudel (rep 16/06/2023)

World Bank suggests legal, institutional reforms to boost fiscal federalism in Nepal (kh 15/06/2023)

Holding the purse strings : It is ludicrous that projects worth Rs1,000 have been sent to the sub-national levels, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp (14/06/2023)

‘Only a political settlement can solve the Koshi crisis’, interview with CPN (Maoist Centre) central committee member Ajambar Rai Kangmang (kp 12/06/2023)

Provinces accuse Centre of ignoring their concerns : Inter-governmental mechanisms envisioned by law remain largely ineffective as authorities fail to bridge the gap, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/05/2023) [The disinterest in implementing the federal system started with KP Oli and continued unchanged by his successors.]

Ambiguities over provincial security, by Nelson Mandal (ae 24/05/2023)

Debates On Federalism, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 23/05/2023)

Six months after elections, provincial governments are still incomplete : Experts warn prolonged delays will gravely undercut the spirit of federalism, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 19/05/2023) [The responsibility lies predominantly with the completely irresponsible, power-greedy and incompetent top politicians and parties at the national level!]

NSO forecasts lower GDP growth of provinces for this year (ae 17/05/2023)

Bring federalism-centric budget : Allocating a bigger budget or more programmes to specific constituencies does not guarantee electoral success, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 17/05/2023)

Looking into local government finances : Revenue mobilisation in metropolitan cities is satisfactory, unlike in sub-metropolitan cities, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 03/05/2023)

Gandaki and Lumbini get new chief ministers : Koshi, another UML-led province, is yet to start the process for the formation of a new government, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 28/04/2023) [Since Nepal is a federal state only on paper, authority in the provinces still lies with the central political level! This prevents a rational provincial policy, causes completely unnecessary costs, prevents decentralisation and further contributes to the destruction of the nation!]

Provincial governments in a flux as coalitions change : Karnali government splits ministry to accommodate aspirants from alliance partners, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 23/04/2023) [Lack of understanding or deliberate abuse of the federal system by parties and politicians?]

Generating knowledge on public finance : Civil servants and elected officials need to know more about fiscal and public finance management, by Krishna Pathak (kp 23/04/2023)

Thinning provincial purses : Provinces have failed to bolster their development portfolios for lack of internal revenues, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 19/04/2023)

Constant tussle for power has crippled provincial governance : The power-centric mindset of Kathmandu-based politicians blamed for putting federalism in jeopardy, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 18/04/2023)

Shah v Singha Durbar : The perception of a malfunctioning federal setup does not help any of the three tiers of government (kp 13/04/2023)

Provincial pride projects in Gandaki in limbo : Political instability, lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments, budget crunch, and the pandemic are cited as the reasons, by Pratiksha Kafle (kp 10/04/2023)

The role of deputies : It is necessary to analyse the executive powers of the federal units provided by the constitution, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 05/04/2023)

A mountain of questions : After a switch to federalism, the people had hoped to find the government at their doorsteps. Their hopes have not materialized thus far, by Gopikrishna Dhungana (ae 04/04/2023)

Finance ministry cuts conditional grants allocated for sub-national governments (rep 03/04/2023)

Power play: Provinces taking cue from centre : Emerging coalitions are working to remove the CPN-UML from provincial governments, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 25/03/2023) [This is probably more on the instructions of the central party elite. Nepali "federalism" continues to serve not the urgent need for decentralisation and better inclusion of the multi-ethnic population, but rather for further post creation of the political Khas Arya elite!], Ruction in provinces : The current provincial governments are no more than offshoots of federal-level politics (kp 28/03/2023)

Nepal’s Judiciary Under Federalism, by Shyam Prasad Mainali (rn 25/03/2023)

Fiscal equalization grants: Sub-national govts to receive lower budget for next fiscal year (ae 22/03/2023)

Power-sharing in provinces gets trickier : New ruling alliance has nine members eagerly waiting to make changes in federal and provincial governments, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 16/03/2023) [This is also related to the fact that policies in the provinces are dictated by the central party elites and this is definitely not the purpose of federalism!]

Janamorcha to conduct nationwide campaign against federalism (kh 14/03/2023)

All eyes will be on provincial governments post presidential elections : Power equations in the centre and provinces are likely to change after the election of head of state, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 27/02/2023) [Federalism should help to arrange the interest and concerns of the provinces independently of the central state. But the centrist politicians of the national level regard the provinces merely as playthings of their power politics!]

Provinces spending in the first half of current FY disappointing (ae 23/02/2023)

Fine-tuning fiscal federalism : The share of fiscal equalisation grants should be increased in proportion to the GDP, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 08/02/2023)

Kathmandu could cut funds to provinces and local governments : Provinces were supposed to get nearly Rs130 billion and local governments Rs300 billion in fiscal transfers, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/02/2023), MoFAGA issues circular to all district and local levels to reduce current expenditure by 20 percent (rep 04/02/2023) [So much for the functioning of federalism in Nepal!], Federal government asks to cut spending by 20 percent : Citing the resource crunch, the federal government has asked the provincial and local governments to control their spending (ae 06/02/2023)

People are increasingly adapting to the new federal setup, report says : The overall perception of the country’s direction has been negative but people in remote areas and marginalised groups are more optimistic than others, according to the report, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 27/01/2023)

PM says won't brook criticism of federalism, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/01/2023)

Provinces drop ministries in austerity move : Gandaki government leads the way by cutting the number of ministries from 12 to seven, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 24/01/2023)

PM Dahal vows to reduce number of ministries in provinces (kh 23/01/2023) [This is urgently needed, but once again a centrally controlled measure in a supposedly federal state!], Gandaki CM Adhikari discusses cabinet expansion with PM Dahal (kh 24/01/2023) [???]

Provinces failed to live up to federal dream : Provincial governments spent 5 years accusing Kathmandu of rendering them ineffective, by Santosh Singh et al. (kp 20/01/2023) [Responsible is once again the unwillingness of the national party leaders to implement federalism!]

CMs appointed : Huge amounts of taxes paid by the people go to sustain the 550 members in the PAs (ht 13/01/2023)

Reduce number of ministries in provincial governments (rep 12/01/2023)

Common Minimum Program: Ruling parties aim for double-digit growth in next five years (ae 12/01/2023) [Utopian as the election manifestos!]

Chief ministers appointed in all provinces : All provincial administrations take cues from ruling coalition’s power-sharing deal in Kathmandu (kp 12/01/2023) [The national level continues to see Nepal as a centralised state. The provinces remain under its complete control!], Chief ministers appointed in all seven provinces as ruling parties finalize power-sharing deal (rep 12/01/2023) [In a federal state, each province should make its own power sharing deal, depending on its own needs and circumstances!]

Strengthening federalism : Reforming the electoral system is a vital condition for the stability of federalism, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 11/01/2023) [However, legal changes are also needed that stop the constant interference of the national level in the executive and legislative affairs of the provinces!]

ere’s to you, chief : The new chief ministers must make a forceful case for better and stronger provinces (kp 10/01/2023)

Ruling parties finalize power sharing in Provinces (kh 08/01/2023), UML set to govern 3 provinces, Maoists 1; 3 CMs to be rotated : UML’s Hikmat Karki becomes chief minister of Province 1, by Tika R Pradhan (kp) [The ageing, failed top politicians continue to see Nepal as a central state. A system in which the national level decides on provincial governments and coalitions is not federalism!]

Dahal has the opportunity to fully implement federalism. But will he? Previous governments wasted such chances due to their vested interests, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/12/2022), Reluctant federalists : Troublingly, partners in the current ruling coalition have little to say about strengthening federalism (kp 29/12/2022)

Provincial politics hinges on federal coalition : Who forms provincial governments will be clear after Cabinet takes shape in Kathmandu, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/12/2022) [Misunderstood federalism: In the still centrally oriented state of Nepal, the national political level also decides on policy in the provinces! Thus the federalism thought is led ad absurdum!]

No provincial matter : We have to analyse the executive powers granted to the federal units by the constitution, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 14/12/2022)

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML emerge as largest parties in provincial assemblies (rep 05/12/2022) [The overall result of all provinces is incidental. In a federal state, each province must be considered on its own and be independent of the politicians at the central level!]

Power to the provinces : The provincial governments should be allowed to choose their own electricity future, by Bishal Thapa (kp 02/12/2022)

Feudal federalism : Federalism has become an ‘F’ word because Nepal’s politicians are reluctant to devolve power to provinces (nt 02/12/2022)

Activating intergovernmental bodies : The more active these organisations are, the stronger Nepal's federal system will be, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 30/11/2022)

Nepali Congress-led alliance likely to form governments in all seven provinces : UML leads FPTP tally in 3 provinces, Congress ahead in 4, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 28/11/2022) [These centrist politicians simply do not want to understand that in a federal state, the provinces have to decide on their respective governments!], Let the provinces do their job : Reluctance to strengthen the provinces is, in a way, a repudiation of the federal system (kp 29/11/2022)

The nitty-gritty of fiscal transfers : It is important to pay attention to why and for whom the grants are being channelised, by Khim Lal Devkota (16/11/2022)

Leveraging public debt for fiscal sustainability : As the constitution gives expenditure powers to the sub-national governments, public debt could be crucial for them to deliver development, by Pramod Rijal (kp 15/11/2022)

‘Tragic brilliance’ federalism : Citizens not only accept the defects, but also play a role in maintaining the system, by Achyut Wagle (kp 08/11/2022)

NA special committee furnishes 99-point federalism execution recommendations (kh 04/11/2022)

What’s behind the growing calls to ‘scrap’ provinces? Political parties have been accused of trying to centralise powers instead of working to strengthen the seven provinces, and ultimately rendering them ‘irrelevant’, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 03/11/2022)

The path of federalism : The time when citizens had to run to the country's capital for minor paperwork has ended, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 21/10/2022), Break Kathmandu-Centric Federalism, by Prabin Manandhar (sp 21/10/2022)

Subverting political federalism : The coalition culture has sidelined deserving candidates in favour of cronies and sycophants, by Achyut Wagle (kp 11/10/2022)

Ruling coalition to begin discussion on provincial seat sharing (kh 25/09/2022) [It shows a complete lack of understanding of federalism when the national level interferes with the competences of the provinces and the local level!]

Vision for development in federal setup : We must get rid of the misconception that infrastructure development is just about connectivity. We must focus on creating new settlements in the rural areas, by Keshav Acharya (nlt 19/09/2022)

How about a provincial bank? Lumbini seeks to exercise its rights under the constitution and open a provincial bank, by Mahendra P Joshi (kp 18/09/2022)

“Province should be revoked, and local levels restructured” : "People still say they will vote for us if we come up with good plans", interview with Samikshya Baskota, chirperson of Bibeksheel Sajha Party (kh 24/08/2022)

Seven years since constitution promulgation local governments await federal education Act : The federal government has yet to ready a bill for the law and the term of the current Parliament is ending in four months with elections announced for November 20, by Binod Ghimire (kp 19/08/2022) [Another grave failure of the Oli and Deuba governments which shows the continuing centralisitic mindset!]

Provincial governments set to end their first terms without enjoying key rights : Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench has been sitting on dozens of petitions relating to jurisdiction disputes between three tiers of government, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/08/2022)

Local Governance In Federal System, by Mukti Rijal (rn 11/08/2022)

Provincial poll declaration should be provinces’ prerogative, observers say : Federalism yet to be embraced in a true sense with the centralised mindset refusing to go, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/08/2022)

Govt decides to hold federal, provincial elections on Nov 20 (kh 04/08/2022) [The right to set an election date in the provinces lies with the respective provincial government and not with the central government! Nepal is a federal state! By the way, this also applies to local elections!]

Federalized Approach to Transitional Justice Process, by Preeti Mittal (kh 31/07/2022)

Lawmakers sound alert on 'anti-federalism voices' raised in parliament, call for a ban (rn 29/07/2022)

The center cannot hold : Some tendencies to centralize powers were expected in the early days of federalism but its continuation even after five years of completion of the federalisation process is problematic, by Yatindra KC (nlt 25/07/2022)

Provincial ministers pile pressure for police adjustment : They have met with leaders of the ruling coalition as well as prime minister after issuing a seven-point declaration in Janakpur earlier this month, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 20/07/2022)

UML lawmaker Pal suggests doing away with provinces (kh 12/07/2022) [This demand is clearly unconstitutional and should have legal consequences! Not the federal system is the problem, but the fact that many of the top politicians reject federalism, secularism and social inclusion, as these endanger their dominant position!]

Federal government itself is anti-federal, politicians and experts say : Panelists concur federalism can never be strengthened unless the political parties transform themselves (kp 10/07/2022) [Not only the government, but all the major political parties, especially Oli and his CPN-UML as well as the RPP and its related parties, the latter party having a totally unconstitutional attitude!]

Federal government overlooks statute as it wants to oversee Valley’s security : Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are in favour while the Maoists are against the proposed arrangement, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/07/2022)

Nepali remains lingua franca of all provinces, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 02/07/2022) [It is not a question of replacing Nepali with another language, but a second language of the respective province should be made compulsory, especially for the high-caste elite, who must finally get away from the mistaken belief that only their language, religion, culture, etc. represent Nepal's identity!]

Constricted devolution of fiscal power : The new leadership at the local level needs to find ways to boost capital expenditure, by Achyut Wagle (kp 21/06/2022)

All provinces present their budgets, targeting economic recovery : The combined budgets of the seven provinces for the next fiscal year amount to Rs305.46 billion, nearly 17 percent higher than the current fiscal year’s budget, by Pawan Pandey (kp 16/06/2022)

Federal government handles small bridge projects against the spirit of federalism : But local road projects will be handed over to provinces, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/06/2022)

The pace of federalism : Federalism is a new exercise in Nepal, and it is not unusual for challenges to appear., by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 12/05/2022)

Decentralizing Banking in Federal Nepal : Banks need to revise their premium rates, mainly for the businesses at the local level, to ensure financial decentralization in the federal system, by Bhuvan Dahal (rep 02/05/2022)

First Five Years of Federalism in Nepal, by Khim Lal Devkota (rep 25/04/2022) [Yes, the federal state could be a good political system for Nepal if the top politicians of the parties finally gave up their centralist pattern of thinking! Right now they are again preventing democracy and development on the local level!]

CM Pokhrel blames federal curb for province’s failure to work as per expectation (kh 20/04/2022)

In search of subnational policies : A large number of policies are going to remain the same across all provinces and our development aspirations, for the time being, will be determined more by federal policies and institutions than by provincial institutions and policies, by Yatindra KC (nlt 18/04/2022)

What ails five-year-old provinces? Provincial governments were largely non-performers but non-cooperation from Singha Durbar is to blame, leaders say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/04/2022)

Federalism And Policing: Challenges And Opportunities, by Shobhakar Budhathoki (sp 08/04/2022)

Building Strong Foundation For Local Governments Imperative To Ensure Robust Federalism, by Narayan Prasad Ghimire (rn 01/04/2022)

Center should not intervene in federalism to smoothly function: CM Pandey (kh 22/03/2022)

Feudalism to Federalism : Districts are obsolete and redundant, doing away with them will save money and free Nepal of a centralised mindset (nt 18/03/2022)

Duties decentralized, resources centralized : Five years since their election, local governments are still grappling with legal, budgetary and human resource constraints, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 10/03/2022)

Gaps pointed out in fiscal federalism (kh 07/03/2022)

“High time we worked towards strengthening federalism”, interview with Lal Babu Raut, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province (kh 04/03/2022)

Revamp Federal Civil Service, by Khagendra Prawaha (rn 03/03/2022)

Budgetary woes of local governments : Funds are trickling down to local bodies. Yet many of them are still unable to carry out their fiscal duties. Some are struggling to present their budget on time while others cannot manage their expenses, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 24/02/2022)

Federal spirit in local elections : The parties should let their subnational organisational entities distribute election tickets, by Achyut Wagle (kp 15/02/2022)

Low education standard and equity among key challenges to promote human capital in Nepal: WB report (rep 10/02/2022) [see corresponding WB report]

Devolution of sycophancy : With federalism giving rise to new power centres, ‘chakari’ culture has taken newer forms, by Avasna Pandey (kp 06/02/2022)

Power to the periphery : Local elections in May is a chance to devolve political power, and allow federalism to function, by Sonia Awale (nt 04/02/2022)

Provinces, local units rely heavily on Kathmandu for resources : Sub-national governments have been forced to compromise on their autonomy in decision-making due to their over-reliance for resources on the federal government, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/01/2022)

Nepal’s federal provinces: Missed opportunities, by Thira Lal Bhusal (ae 06/01/2022)

Training Academy’s role imperative to implement federalism: Province Speaker Gharti (kh 05/01/2022)

Their five-year terms are ending but most local units still don’t own office buildings : Federal officials blame lack of funds and unresolved issues at the local level, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/0/2022)

Nepal's federalism: Time for a review : The first elected local governments under the federal constitution promulgated in 2015 are near completion of their five-year tenure, by Achyut Wagle (kp 04/01/2022)