Centre has not internalised federalism, says CM Poudel

Hetauda, April 21

Province 3 Chief Minister Dormani Poudel today accused the central government of failing to internalise federalism in the real sense.

Speaking at a pre-budget session organised by the Federal Parliamentary Committee on Financial Affairs in Hetauda, CM Poudel complained that the centre had failed to realise the true spirit of federalism.

“The central government is reluctant to delegate authority guaranteed by the constitution to the provincial government,” Poudel said, asking “What is the central government’s expectation from the province? And what does the centre want from the province?”

Poudel charged that the centre was trying to make federalism a failure. “There is lack of coordination among the three tiers of government. Federalism will fail without delegation of prerogative,” he stated.

He said that the province was deprived of authority to make necessary laws. He stressed the need to forge coordination among the three tiers of government for swift development and progress. He said that the next budget should be development-oriented.

Poudel pointed out the need to change the public procurement act to make it development-friendly. “Tender issuance process is lengthy and this is hindering development work,” Poudel added.