​BIRATNAGAR.

Chief Ministers of various provinces have expressed severe dissatisfaction with the Federal Government, alleging that provincial governments are failing to strengthen due to the Center’s centralized mindset and apathy. Speaking at the Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers’ Conference hosted by the Koshi Provincial Government in Biratnagar, the Chief Ministers accused the Federal Government of deliberately delaying the transfer of constitutional powers, essential legislation, and financial resources.

​Even nine years after the promulgation of the Constitution, the list of exclusive and concurrent powers remains largely unimplemented. They raised concerns that deliberate attempts are being made to question the performance of provincial governments—which are operating under severe resource constraints—to discredit the entire federal structure. According to the Chief Ministers, the delay in devolving powers from the Center is driving growing disillusionment among the general public toward the federal system itself.

​Jointly inaugurating the conference, the Chief Ministers of Gandaki, Bagmati, Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali, and Koshi provinces concluded that the Center’s centralized mindset remains the single biggest obstacle to the effective implementation of federalism. The leaders stated that they are not merely asking for power but are equally committed to fulfilling their responsibilities. However, they emphasized that federalism cannot succeed by keeping the provinces weak, and since federalism without empowered provinces is unimaginable, strengthening provincial governments is indispensable for national prosperity.

​The leaders highlighted that even explicit exclusive powers mentioned in the Constitution, such as police adjustment, have not yet been handed over to the provinces. Consequently, provincial governments face immense hurdles in maintaining law and order and delivering services according to public expectations. Furthermore, the failure of the Federal Parliament to enact necessary umbrella legislation has halted the formulation and implementation of crucial provincial laws related to education, healthcare, provincial civil services, and forestry.

​The Chief Ministers also accused the Federal Government of being indifferent toward implementing fiscal federalism. Due to limited internal revenue options and a lack of serious commitment from the central government regarding grants, provinces continue to remain overwhelmingly dependent on federal subsidies for their annual budgets.