Chief ministers' conference opens in Biratnagar, provinces complain federal government withholding powers

At a two-day inter-provincial chief ministers' conference that opened in Biratnagar on Tuesday, chief ministers complained that the federal government has not handed over powers guaranteed by the constitution.

The conference, organized by the Koshi provincial government, is being attended by chief ministers from six provinces, excluding Sudurpashchim.

Host Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki said the constitution should be amended to make provincial powers clear. He said the conference was not meant as criticism of the federal government, and that its conclusions would be discussed with the prime minister. Karki proposed making climate-induced disasters and drug abuse shared agendas for the provinces.

Gandaki Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey remarked that the federal government has tied the provinces' legs while asking them to run, saying provincial governments cannot work effectively because the center has not enacted the necessary laws.

Lumbini Chief Minister Chetnarayan Acharya urged quick enactment of the Police Act and the Civil Service Act. Madhesh Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav said federalism cannot be strengthened without giving provinces authority, financial resources and manpower.

Bagmati Chief Minister Kiran Thapa Magar said federalism will not be complete merely by shifting Singha Durbar's powers to provincial capitals, adding that blaming one another will not solve the problem. Karnali Chief Minister Mangal Bahadur Shahi stressed the need to dispel misconceptions about the provinces using facts.

Preparations are under way to issue a declaration with shared commitments at the end of the conference.