KATHMANDU: The decision to form an all-party mechanism in the local bodies has not materialised despite the order of Ministry of Local Development to that effect five months ago.In the absence of elected bodies, the earlier seven-party mechanism was

given responsibility to facilitate development activities at the local level.

According to local body authorities, none of the mechanisms was effective. The situation is pitiable

at Kathmandu District Development Committee. “Formation of the mechanism is uncertain after local Maoist leaders pressed for including 15 members from the party in it,” said a KDDC official requesting anonymity.

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement has a provision of including a member from each political party. The Maoists pressed to include 15 members in the KDDC, claiming that theirs was

the largest party in the CA. Most local bodies, including Bhaktapur District Development Committee in the valley, have failed to approve annual budget and finalise the development programmes even after for months of the fiscal year.

Jeevan Prasad Sitaula, chief, Lalitpur DDC, said

the five-party mechanism was still working despite government decision to form a new one. “Other four parties have demanded their inclusion in the body but the old mechanism has not allow them in,” he said.