Kathmandu, October 1:

Seven of the proposed 43 development programmes under the Ministry of Local Development for the fiscal year 2064/065 are yet to start.

Of the seven, modalities for five programmes are yet to be framed while two others are awaiting approval from the donors, according to Subash Siwakoti, officer in the planning department of the ministry.

Modalities for the Madhesi Muslim Backward Class Uplift Programme, Chure and Tarai Region Development Programme, Karnali Region Development Programme and Local Participation Based Programme are yet to be finalised. The Chure and Tarai Development Programme and Karnali Region Development Programme were added only this year, he said. The Local Participation Based Programme is a continuity to similar programme in the past years but this year this will have a new modality, says Siwakoti.

“Earlier, we used to release fund only for previously proposed and finalised activity but this year we will establish a fund in the district and local people will decide the development activity for investing it as per their needs. This will empower them,” explains Shiwakoti.