Gandaki: Chief Minister of Gandaki Surendra Raj Pandey has stated that the centralized mindset of political and administrative leadership is a significant obstacle in achieving results that align with the aspirations of the people. At a program organized by the Federalism and Localization Center on ‘National Assembly in Strengthening Federalism’, Pandey highlighted that limited resources and legal challenges are hindering the provincial government’s ability to enhance the effectiveness of its services.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chief Minister Pandey urged the National Assembly to transcend partisan interests and expedite the lawmaking process, particularly concerning exclusive and concurrent rights. He emphasized the need for the National Assembly, as the guardian of provincial and local governments, to play a more proactive role in this regard.
National Assembly Vice-Chairperson Bimala Subedi recommended that political parties should prioritize nominating thematic experts and experienced candidates in the forthcoming National Assembly elections. Various speakers at the event, including parliamentary committee chairs, former Constituent Assembly members, and former MPs, voiced concerns about the lack of willpower within political leadership and insufficient support from the bureaucracy. Additionally, they noted that women’s representation at provincial and local levels remains weak compared to the federal level and called for the National Assembly to be more active in strengthening the interrelationships between the central, provincial, and local governments.
It is noteworthy that elections for one-third of the 69-member National Assembly are scheduled for January 25.