Political infighting, administrative vacancies stall budgets in 13 local units
Summary
Thirteen local governments in Nepal are unable to finalize their budgets due to political infighting and administrative vacancies, leaving them unable to spend public funds or collect taxes.
Key Points
- Thirteen local governments in Nepal have failed to present or approve their annual budgets within the constitutional deadline.
- Eight local governments have not presented budgets at all, while five others failed to complete administrative processing.
- Budget delays are mainly caused by political disputes, vacancies in chief administrative officer positions, and technical hurdles.
- The issue is most acute in Madhesh province, affecting 10 local governments, with others in Koshi and Lumbini provinces.
- Local officials are seeking federal intervention to resolve the impasse and resume regular government work.
