Kathmandu

KMCs second municipal assembly begins today

KMC’s second municipal assembly begins today

By Ujjwal Satyal

Kathmandu, April 11 The second municipal assembly (winter session) of Kathmandu Metropolitan City set to begin tomorrow will hold discussion on only one act and review two issues. The assembly, which is responsible for formulating new rules, laws, procedures, standards and gazette, is set to pass a Cooperative Act. The assembly will also review its budget and begin work on amending the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Museum Guideline. According to KMC officials, at least 50 to 60 acts need to be formulated for proper functioning of the metropolitan office. The office has so far published acts and procedures on seven topics, which were approved by its first assembly on July 15, 2017. The KMC’s municipal assembly comprises mayor, deputy mayor, 32 ward chairs, five nominated members and four locals from each ward. Taking to THT KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya said, “We are going through a transitional phase and there is still confusion regarding the jurisdiction of federal, provincial and local governments. However, we have already started experiencing the changes.” Director of KMC Basanta Acharya, who is secretary of the assembly, said, “Of the total 753 local bodies, 752 bodies are waiting and watching our work progress. But, due to the lack of subject-wise committees and sub-committees we have not been able to formulate all necessary acts.” Acharya also said that lack of proper laws at the provincial level had hindered passage of important laws. The KMC has so far published  its policy and programmes, Financial Act, Municipal Assembly Operation Procedure, Appropriation Act, Urban Planning Commission Procedures, and Municipal Executive Operation Act, among others, in the Local Gazette.