Rashtriya Kachahari, the National Discussion Assembly, commences in Karnali

A Rashtriya Kachahari, national discussion assembly, has kicked off in the provincial capital, Birendranagar, Surkhet, from today.

Karnali provincial government minister for physical infrastructure and urban development, Mangal Bahadur Shahi, inaugurated the national meet. On the occasion, he said although the people's aspirations were high after the country switched to federalism, their demands were not met by the State to the extent they should have been met.

"The people were given assurances that their demands and needs would be fulfilled. A sense of despondency is seen now among the people as their demands and aspirations stand unmet," he said.

According to him, although the federalism is the best form of government, some dissatisfaction towards the political system has been seen as the political leadership has failed to manage it properly. He called for strengthening the federalism further to make it result-oriented.

Lumbini Province Assembly member Sanju Chaudhary underscored the need of making a candid assessment of federalism and the functioning of the three tiers of the government as per its spirit at this point in time.

Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, Mohan Maya Dhakal opined that the three tiers of the government have not been able to maintain coordination, collaboration and co-existence to the expected level.

Former member of the National Planning Commission and economist Dr Poshan Raj Pandey stressed on promoting inclusive and participatory development approach. He said the situation of 2,000 youths leaving the country for foreign employment has hit the national GDP.

Country representative of the United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for Nepal and Bhutan, Ken Shimizu, said Karnali-like regions have been affected due to the growing disparity in the world, the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, political crisis and environmental hazards.

Stating that a multi-sectoral issue has surfaced on this topic, he said FAO would extend its support towards addressing the issue.

Municipalities Association of Nepal chairperson Narulal Chaudhary said that works were not moving forward in line with the concurrent list of rights provided in the Constitution. He viewed that the local governments were facing problems as legislation like the Federal Education Act and the Civil Service Act have not been made yet.

The two-day assembly is organized by Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDAK) under the joint aegis of the Local Government Strengthening, The Asia Foundation, Australian Aid, Save the Children, Good Neighbours International, World Vision, Plan International, Action Aid, Mission East and Practical Action.

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