Nepal is currently a federal democratic republic. Although the Nepali Congress raised the issue of a Constituent Assembly in 2007 after the end of the Rana regime, it was the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) that truly popularized the idea of a constitution drafted through a Constituent Assembly. Through intense class struggles, they successfully established the slogan for a constitution from the Constituent Assembly. Following two Constituent Assembly elections, the Constitution of Nepal 2072 was promulgated in 2015. Since then, the country has moved forward as a federal democratic republic with three levels of government. The new constitution established the framework for three levels of government: 1) Federal Government 2) Provincial Government 3) Local Government According to the Constitution of Nepal 2072, there is one federal government, seven provincial governments, and 753 local governments, totaling 161 governments. To facilitate local governance, the constitution provides for local executive functions in Part 17, local legislature in Part 18, and local fiscal operations in Part 19. Furthermore, Schedule 8 outlines the specific powers of the local level, while Schedule 9 lists shared powers between the federal, provincial, and local levels. According to Schedule 8, local governments have the following rights. In line with the spirit of the constitution, local governments are meant to utilize local resources, manpower, and capabilities to improve the lives of citizens. However, unfortunately, none of the 753 local governments across the country have earned a particularly favorable view from the public due to a lack of exemplary work. Local governments have failed to develop plans for mobilizing resources such as water, land, forests, and manpower effectively. They have not adequately addressed essential services like education and health. Although the constitution places education up to grade 12 under the jurisdiction of local governments, there have been no effective plans to improve the quality of community schools. These local governments have the authority to present annual budgets and create plans similar to those of Singha Durbar (Nepal’s central government complex). However, the budget has not been properly allocated. No effective initiatives to increase revenue within municipalities have been introduced. Currently, many people, especially youth, feel disillusioned with the country’s future. To address this, there needs to be effective action. Unlike the past, people no longer need to go to the capital for every small project request. Now, there is the possibility to design programs based on local needs and preserve local uniqueness. However, the elected leadership in 753 municipalities has not demonstrated the capacity to utilize these rights according to the constitution. Why is this happening? Is it due to a shortage of capable young leaders, or is it a problem with the election system? These are questions that need answers. Our society is a mixture of diversity, multiculturalism, ethnicity, and religion, with natural beauty, flowing rivers, diverse landscapes, and varied climates. However, there appears to be a lack of leadership that truly understands society. In the past, changes in the social structure led to transformations guided by the then-Maoist leadership, with a positive impact on society that should be duly appreciated. The sacrifices of around 17,000 people from both the government and rebel sides enabled the establishment of local governments with substantial rights. Each ward ensures representation with at least one Dalit woman member and two female members, and the constitution mandates 33% female participation, which in wards is increased to 40%. Every municipality has mandated that either the mayor or deputy mayor must be a woman. This structure is highly inclusive, providing representation for marginalized groups. Despite such a promising structure, services are not being delivered effectively. Many elected representatives are linked with irregular activities, and corruption is widespread, which has disheartened the public. This has especially discouraged youth. Setting the pay for 6,743 ward members, 753 municipal officials, and 1,506 municipal representatives has not sent a positive message. The cost of these officials does not correlate with effective service delivery, and citizens continue to struggle for efficient services at local levels. Local governments play a crucial role in directly improving citizens’ lives, but this is not being realized. In villages, politics is seen as a career, and there is a perception that entering politics guarantees wealth. It is essential to address this misconception, remove negative thinking, and open up possibilities. Solution Each local government must transparently document its resources, manpower, and assets to effectively plan for its locality. Records should be maintained, including details such as: – Livestock – Skilled and semi-skilled labor – Forests – Educational institutions – Land – Rivers and streams – Local industries – Education levels – Gender demographics – Potential income sources – Potential production studies – Local financial systems – Local banking systems – Production marketing studies These records will assist in both short-term and long-term planning, provide insights into employment opportunities, and help create jobs. Municipalities should establish their own financial institutions and encourage cooperatives. They should also take responsibility for the marketing of locally produced goods, provide subsidized loans to increase production, and ensure subsidies based on production levels. Agriculture, the backbone of the nation, must be dignified and recognized. Each municipality should aim to develop its own skilled workforce by focusing on technical education and providing scholarships to create necessary manpower. Priority should be given to labor-based development over machinery to support employment and self-sufficiency. In this way, local governments should focus on job creation in sectors such as livestock and agriculture. They should also develop long-term plans for public health, encouraging physical exercise, and ensure that every household engages in at least one production activity. For example, in Gulariya Municipality, Bardiya district, there are about 13,000 hectares of land, with around 8,000 hectares suitable for agriculture. This land could be divided to grow rice, maize, legumes, sugarcane, bananas, oilseeds, wheat, vegetables, medicinal herbs, peanuts, fruits, and more. Fish farming could be conducted in natural ponds and former river channels. There are several areas, like Khairapur and Mathura, suitable for livestock farming, including high-yield buffalo breeds for milk production. Additionally, the community forests could be used for herbal production and organic manure production centers. Agricultural industries could be established on designated public lands within Gulariya. To bring change in education, mobile classrooms could be introduced in areas with a significant Madhesi community, where teachers can visit neighborhoods to teach. Building construction along main roads should be encouraged to manage urbanization, and livestock projects should be designed based on the locality’s natural suitability for raising cattle, goats, and pigs. Local government has a significant role in making these developments successful. By leveraging resources, understanding local potential, and implementing effective governance, local governments can drive meaningful change and help citizens feel the benefits of a federal democratic republic.
