Rukmini Koirala Calls for Strengthening Federalism Through Law and Power Distribution

Kathmandu. National Assembly member and CPN (UML) MP Rukmini Koirala has stated that the laws necessary to strengthen the federal democratic republic established by the constitution of Nepal and the distribution of powers should be done immediately. Speaking in the National Assembly meeting on Friday, MP Koirala mentioned that the federalism has weakened due to the fact that some laws that should have been enacted within three years of the promulgation of the constitution, which was promulgated 10 years ago, have not yet been enacted. Arguing that the weakening of federalism also leads to a decline in social justice for the people, she demanded that the law related to federal civil service should be made effective as soon as possible. She drew the government's attention to the fact that 22 exclusive rights of local levels mentioned in the schedule of the constitution have not yet been fully utilized. She stated that there is a lack of coordination between the federal, provincial, and local levels on issues of mountaineering, tea production, and royalties from natural resources. Stating that it is difficult to work due to the conflict between some existing laws, she said that the implementation of federalism has been affected by the National Assembly and the House of Representatives not enacting laws in time. "Only if the province is strong, federalism will be strong, but today, although it is said that power will be given to the province, the necessary staff and administrative power are not given," she said, "If the responsibility of provincial police is given to the province, but the federal government does not obstruct the necessary laws and administrative powers for it, then the implementation of federalism will be easier." Emphasizing the equitable distribution of powers, she added, "Unless the provinces and local levels become strong, federal democratic republic cannot be strong. Only by the delegation of power and the equitable distribution of state resources can the basic needs of the citizens be met." MP Koirala mentioned that the lack of clarity in jurisdiction on matters of shared rights among the three tiers has created interference and confusion in the work area. Referring to Koshi Province, she expressed the view that royalties from natural resources, including protected areas, should be transferred to the province as well, not just concentrated in the federal government. She also urged the government to immediately transfer Koshi Hospital under the province.