Tunis:Koshi Province The inter-province chief ministers’ conference, organized by the Koshi Province government, commenced today with the participation of chief ministers from six provinces. The two-day event was inaugurated collectively by Chief Ministers Hikmat Kumar Karki of Koshi Province, Surendra Raj Pandey of Gandaki Province, Kiran Thapa Magar of Bagmati Province, Krishna Prasad Yadav of Madhesh Province, Chet Narayan Acharya of Lumbini Province, and Mangal Bahadur Shahi of Karnali Province.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the conference is designed to enhance the federal governance system by fostering cooperation, coordination, and collaboration among the provinces. It aims to effectively implement federalism as envisioned by the constitution, emphasizing the principles of cooperation, coexistence, and coordination.
Discussions at the conference will cover a variety of topics, including the experiences and successful practices of provincial implementation, challenges faced, the effective use of constitutionally granted provincial powers, and clarity of rights and responsibilities across federal, provincial, and local levels. Legal and policy reforms, fiscal federalism, and resource utilization are also on the agenda.
Taranath Niraula, Vice-Chair of the Koshi Province Planning Commission, highlighted the conference’s objectives, which include identifying and implementing development projects of common interest, advancing inter-provincial infrastructure development, facilitating trade and investment, and ensuring the fair use and benefit-sharing of natural resources. Cooperation in disaster management is also a key focus.
The conference seeks to exchange innovative practices in governance and public service delivery, aiming to enhance provincial government performance and ensure quality services that citizens can perceive directly. Development achievements and the potential for increasing internal provincial revenue are also priorities.
Koshi Province Chief Minister Karki underscored the need to develop national capital for significant change and economic growth, emphasizing agriculture and tourism as vital sectors. He noted the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of private sector cooperation for economic development.
Karnali Province Chief Minister Shahi stressed the need for inter-provincial coordination to strengthen federalism, noting significant progress in development and infrastructure in Karnali Province. Lumbini Province Chief Minister Acharya reiterated the necessity of federalism for national prosperity, focusing on improving living standards.
Gandaki Province Chief Minister Pandey criticized the lack of commitment from major political parties to federalism, blaming a centralized government system for weakening provinces. He urged the province to proceed independently with necessary legal frameworks to improve service delivery.
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Thapamagar highlighted the obstacles faced in meeting public needs due to institutional development challenges and climate change, calling for collective efforts to mitigate destructive climate events. He urged the federal government to expedite necessary legal frameworks for economic prosperity.
The conference, attended by chief attorneys, vice-chairpersons of provincial policy and planning commissions, and chief secretaries of provincial governments, will continue until tomorrow.