Enhance Autonomy

Minister of Local Development Dev Prasad Gurung has stressed on strengthening the autonomy of the local bodies to make service delivery reliable and effective. Speaking at a programme organised by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Corporation on Tuesday, Minister Gurung pointed out that since the local bodies worked closely with the people, the role of local institutions should be made more relevant and stronger to enhance local democracy and development. Referring to new kinds of challenges faced by the municipalities due to urbanisation and unplanned settlement, Minister Gurung emphasised on the need to enact new laws consistent with contemporary social requirements and emerging challenges. As outlined by Minister Gurung, the interim constitution has given proper recognition to the instrumentality of the local bodies for strengthening local democracy and peace.

It is, therefore, incumbent upon the present government to assure that the provision relating to local government is implemented. Similarly, as people are heaving a sigh of relief due to the evolving peace in the country, the local bodies should take special note regarding development projects in congruence with the local needs and demands. The incomplete development projects for different reasons in the past should be completed without incurring any delays. However, it is worrying to note that the local government staff have not been able to operate in some parts of the country. Besides the inherent technical and institutional problems hampering the performance of the local bodies, some terror groups have intimidated the people and presented obstacles in their functioning. The government should be serious enough to ensure that the law and order situation is maintained properly and the local bodies are allowed to operate without any disturbances. Moreover, as required by the interim constitution, an all-party political mechanism should be established in the local bodies to ensure that local democracy starts functioning smoothly. Unless the local bodies are based on democratic values and deliver services appropriately, it is difficult to cater to the aspirations of the people.

Source: The Rising Nepal, May 31, 2007