Nearly a decade after adopting federalism, provincial governments in Nepal continue to face serious structural and financial challenges, with 80–90% of their budgets still dependent on the federal government. A reform report prepared by a committee formed under former Prime Minister Sushila Koirala identifies a persistent centralized mindset as a key factor limiting the effectiveness and autonomy of provinces. The 13-member committee, led by Govinda Bahadur Karki, highlights administrative paralysis due to the absence of the Federal Civil Service Act, leaving around 40% of provincial positions vacant. It also points to weak internal revenue generation and heavy reliance on federal grants, which have undermined financial independence. To address these issues, the report recommends reducing the number of provincial ministries to seven, eliminating redundant offices, and introducing an integrated service delivery model. It also proposes stabilizing the bureaucracy by minimizing frequent staff transfers and forming ministry based personnel groups to improve expertise and continuity. Emphasizing digital governance, the report calls for an integrated provincial service portal, along with digital token and file tracking systems to enhance transparency and efficiency. It also proposes a mandatory “Project Bank” system to ensure evidence-based project selection and discourage ineffective spending practices. The report further stresses the need to improve coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments through stronger institutional mechanisms. It outlines a phased reform plan, including ministry restructuring within three months and reducing fiscal dependency within three years, with the goal of building citizen-focused, financially self-reliant, and efficient provincial governments. Post Views: 61 Post navigation Oil prices choppy after expletive-laden Trump threat to Iran देउवाले रोकेको विशेष महाधिवेशन, गगन–विश्वले गरेको ‘राजनीतिक प्रतिरोध’
