Since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2015, the form of governance changed radically, thereby adopting the three tiers of government: federal, provincial, and local. The provincial government is in its seventh year- with a second term after the general election. It therefore experienced six years, giving a mixed perception.
When it comes to the enforcement of federalism, political federalism, financial federalism, and administrative federalism are key, but they could not be forwarded to the extent we had expected. However, the new system has been enforced to a large extent.
Political federalism is a complex issue indeed. We have heard public complaints about the bulky structures of parliaments in the federal system. So, how we can reorganize these to make them smooth is a question. Although political parties are accused of taking the federal system as an excuse to settle party leaders and cadres, it is wrong.
Similarly, administrative federalism also bears much significance because is a fundamenta
l pillar of the system. The service seekers are yet to be delivered in a manner we had imagined. Human resources management is given priority and even an internal survey of the workforce is planned through the Province Service Commission. Adjustment of civil servants is also slow off the mark to ensure results, but efforts are on to achieve perfection. The Province faced the problem that the employees designated to the province did not turn up, while many adjusted in the province have retired.
As the confused state of personnel management has not given a good message, we are mulling how quality and constructive personnel can be appointed and mobilized and public trust gained. I believe once the Civil Services Act is brought by the federal government, we will engage in fulfilling necessary workforce. It would help make service delivery smart and standard.
Fiscal federalism needs to be healthy and robust
Together with these, fiscal federalism needs to be healthy and robust. We are still far behind increasing
internal income. Only increased and sustainable internal income enables province government to deliver as per expectation. We are running from the Fiscal Commission’s allocation, internal revenue, royalty, etc. It is also decreased compared to the past. Therefore, our attention is on the measures to widen tax net without increasing the burden of tax to the people.
The political instability at both federal and the provincial structures is behind no clear majority of any party. It has resulted in hindrances of the planned activities. Frequent change in government is also to blame. But, now we are in for moving forward by making the current alliance of Nepali Congress and CPN UML durable and reliable to intensify development works.
The constitution and necessary laws are major tools for the effective enforcement of federalism. The constitution has several provisions which speak volumes. The constitutional system is clear. The jurisdictions of three tiers of government are mentioned in the schedule, but Civil
Service Act, which most essential, is still elusive.
The police administration has not been adjusted. There are also no acts on education and health. The absence of federal laws had direct links to the implementation of federalism. It has also delayed in provinces’ lawmaking and effective functioning. These pressing issues are being discussed between the federal and province governments. Let’s be hopeful that problems would be sorted out soon.
We are, however, forwarding works. We exercise under the jurisdiction provided by the constitution. We are behind but now onwards, our activities will gain pace with new laws and address to citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Policy making and administrative management are focus
Policy making and administrative management are focus. The province government has also learned from the past experiences and problems, so we can move forward with correction. In the case of the Koshi Province, after the formation of this government, it has sped up its works by setting up
a structure. People can see it. With the preparation of legal bases, practical and administrative arrangements, the federalism can be ensured as the people’s system. We are working in a way that makes people realize the federalism is their demand and faith.
The centralized system of governance prevailed in Nepal for more than 250 years. Departure from this system by taking the country to the three levels of federalism as optimum form of decentralization is a challenging job in fact. The constitution has finely spoken on enforcing federalism on the basis of the principle of coordination, cooperation and coexistence among the three layers. Adherence to this principle is essential.
The weaknesses are seen in centre, sometimes at province, and local level as well in terms of following the principle, thereby drawing grievances. But we need to resolve those things and take ahead the implementation of federalism. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli last July took a decision to send necessary employees from the centre to
the province under the Office of Chief Minister, which would further deploy in the necessary places.
Federalism implementation should gain pace
Now it is believed implementation of federalism will gain a pace. Discussion is afoot on adjustment of police administration. I believe that it will also be sorted out soon. From this year, implementation of federalism is visible, and we are trying to establish this year as the year of implementation of federalism. I hope we will succeed in this goal.
From beginning to end, the constitution’s provisions are related to federalism. Repealing federalism is not only a failure of system, but also an attack on constitution. Going that way means inviting another conflict in the country, and another conflict is pushing the country back to hundreds of years. The countries that were equal to us in development in the 1980s have accelerated development today, leaving Nepal far behind. We have no luxury to be a failure any more. Backtracking from federalism is impossible.
The
people’s perspective of federalism as an expensive and burdensome system is also wrong. It is the least expensive and can be run in a financially disciplined manner. It is substantiated by the report of the Office of the Auditor General as well. It is not the cumbersome structure either.
Finally, I commemorate the day of the promulgation of present Constitution and wish the Constitution Day inspired all Nepali sisters and brothers to devote to the national campaign of ‘Prosperous Nepal: Happy Nepali’.
[Based on a conversation with the Chief Minister by RSS journalists Mohamad Sadarool and Manoj Dahal in Koshi Province]
Source: National News Agency RSS