Development Problem Solving Committees Lack Effectiveness

Nepal's constitution embraces the principle of cooperation, coexistence, and coordination among the three tiers of government. This means that all three organs of the state are autonomous and should have a partnership in development and service delivery. Mechanisms such as provincial development problem-solving committees at the provincial level and national development problem-solving committees at the federal level are envisioned to untangle policy, practical, and structural knots seen between the three tiers of government. Provincial Coordination Councils and National Coordination Councils also exist, but they are less active.

Years after the constitution was promulgated, questions about the working style and effectiveness of these mechanisms remain unanswered. Although representatives from local and provincial levels participate in the meetings of the National Development Problem Solving Committee, the significance of that participation is paramount. Looking at the current practice, we participate in meetings, but we are helpless when it comes to expressing our problems freely and getting them decided in the meeting.