Panchthar proposes two municipalities, five village assemblies

Phidim, September 4

The task related to restructuring of local bodies has been accomplished in Panchthar lately with the recommendation for a total of seven local bodies here.

Following intensive discussion with local political parties and other stakeholders, a technical committee formed to facilitate the restructuring work has proposed five village assemblies and two municipalities for the district.

The committee also concluded the task of naming and setting the boundaries of the proposed bodies.

According to Committee Coordinator Local Development Officer Komal Prasad Dhamala, the recommendation has been sent to the State Restructuring Commission for approval.

“Though the commission had earlier told us to make five bodies at the most in the district, we had to add two more bodies on account of a number of factors such as population, topography and the convenience of the people,” said Dhamala.

As per the recommendation, the existing Phidim Municipality will also take in Ranitar, Lungrupa and Nangin village development committees and feature 12 wards.

Similarly, the proposed Miklojong Municipality will comprise Balane, Mauwa, Hangum, Sarangdada, Rabi, Arubote, Kurumba, Limba and Durdimba.

Regarding village assemblies, they are Kummayak that comprises the existing Yasok, Ranigaun, Mangjabung, Syabrumba and Angna VDCs.

Phalgunanda Assembly comprising Nawamidanda, Imbung, Pauwasaratap, Chilingdin, Phaktep and Angsarang.

Phalelung Assembly comprising Ektin, Memeng, Prangbung, Sidin and Yangnam VDCs.

The other two village assemblies are Yangbarak and Hilihang.

While the first comprises Phalaicha, Chyanthapu, Tharpu, Amarpur and Oyam; the next assembly will have Amarpur Panchami, Subhang and Bharapa village development committees.

Local political parties have defended their recommendation of local bodies in excess of the five set by the commission. Among the parties are CPN-UML, whose top brass are lobbying to limit the total number of local bodies to 565.

“Despite the stance of our party at the central level, we feel that creating just five local bodies in the entire district is impractical, hence our decision to agree with other political parties,” said UML Panchthar district Chairman Raj Kumar Bhandari.