Network of deputy chairs demand revision on bill designed to amend Local Government Operation Act

Kathmandu- A network of deputy chairs at local levels in the Kathmandu Valley has demanded revision in the bill designed to amend Local Government Operation, 2074. An urgent meeting organized by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City showed concern over the draft of the amendment bill published by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

It is published for feedback. The network has decided to study the draft bill and submit suggestions for revision to the ministry. The ministry has been asked to send the draft bill to all local levels. The network meeting hosted by Chandragiri municipality also decided to introduce its own logo. The Madhyapur Thimi municipality has planned to host the next meeting of the network.

Mayor at Chandragiri municipality, Ghanashyam Giri, said time has come for the local levels to work together on revenue collection, garbage management, traffic management, drinking water, infrastructure, education, and health. Integrated approach could help resolve pressing problems in a sustainable manner, he underlined.

“Such meetings are useful to build common understanding on the points for revision in the draft bill designed to amend Local Government Operation Act, 2074,” he added. On the occasion, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Sunita Dangol, complained that the bill was not received at KMC yet. Deputy Mayor of Chandragiri municipality, Basanti Shrestha, viewed the network needs another meeting to sort out the issues in the draft bill.

In the meeting facilitated by Chief Administrative Officer in the municipality office, Hemraj Aryal, former secretary of Nepal government, Dr Gopi Krishna Khanal, provided orientation on revenue management at local level. He suggested expanding tax remit rather than increasing tax.