Chief ministers issue 'Koshi Declaration', demand transfer of power and resources

The Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers' Conference held in Biratnagar has concluded by issuing the "Koshi Declaration-2083," demanding that the federal government transfer powers, structures and resources to the provinces.

The conference, organized by the Koshi provincial government on Asoj 27 and 28, was attended by the chief ministers of six provinces, excluding Sudurpashchim, which was represented by its chief secretary.

The declaration demands that necessary federal laws be enacted to allow provinces to operate provincial police, and that police organizations, personnel, physical infrastructure and resources be handed over to the provinces. It also urges that the Federal Civil Service Bill, currently before parliament, be passed quickly in a manner that incorporates provincial rights.

It calls for a review of federal offices whose functions overlap with provincial jurisdiction, with a view to abolishing, adjusting or transferring them to the provinces.

The chief ministers also made a 9-point commitment of their own, pledging to reduce administrative costs by integrating, restructuring or abolishing provincial bodies and offices based on their necessity and performance. The declaration also includes a commitment to adopt a project bank, a transparent procurement system, and a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.

The conference decided to form a "Chief Ministers' Partnership Forum" among the provinces, and the provinces agreed to run joint programs on inter-provincial roads, agricultural corridors, trade facilitation, air connectivity and shared disaster management.