43 Local Levels Fail to Present Budget Even Three Months into Current Fiscal Year

Even after the completion of three months of the current fiscal year, 43 local levels across Nepal have yet to present their annual budget, according to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

Each year, all 753 local levels are required to present their budgets by Asar 10 (around June 24). Similarly, the federal government unveils its budget on Jestha 15 (Republic Day, around May 29), and the provincial governments table theirs on Asar 1 (around June 15).

Despite the constitutional provision and a clearly defined timeframe, several local levels have failed to fulfill their responsibility, drawing criticism for delays.

In Koshi Province, 135 out of 137 local levels have presented their budgets, while Itahari Sub-metropolitan City and Dharan Sub-metropolitan City have not.

In Madhes Province, 102 out of 136 local levels have presented their budgets, leaving 34 local levels yet to do so. The municipalities and rural municipalities that have not presented budgets include Dakneshwari, Rajbiraj, Agnisair Krishnasawaran, Chhinnamasta, and Balan Bihul in Saptari district; Kalyanpur, Dhangadhimai, Sukhipur in Siraha; Janakpurdham Sub-metropolitan City, Kshireshwarnath, Dhanushadham, Nagarain, Mithila, Aurahi, Kamala, Janaknandini, Hanspur, and Dhanausi in Dhanusha; Sonama in Mahottari; Hariwan, Chandranagar, and Ramnagar in Sarlahi; Katahariya, Dewahi Gonahi, Fatuwa Bijaypur, and Yamunamai in Rautahat; and Mahagadhimai, Suwarna, Bishrampur, Pokhariya, Pakaha Mainpur, Sakhuwa Prasauni, and Kalikamai in Bara and Parsa districts.

In Bagmati Province, Khaniyabas Rural Municipality of Dhading has yet to present its budget, while all local levels in Gandaki Province have done so.

In Lumbini Province, Palhinandan Rural Municipality of Nawalparasi, Kotahimai Rural Municipality of Rupandehi, Shuddhodhan Rural Municipality of Kapilvastu, and Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City of Dang have not presented their budgets.

In Karnali Province, Chhatreshwari Rural Municipality of Salyan has failed to present its budget, whereas all local levels in Sudurpaschim Province have completed the process.

According to the ministry’s online portal, 94.29 percent of local levels have presented their budgets so far, while 5.71 percent remain pending. Most of the delays are attributed to the lack of political consensus at the local level. -- RSS