Kathmandu: The third National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting of the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) was held on December 18 under the chairmanship of Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rameshwor Prasad Khanal.
The meeting was attended by representatives of local government associations, senior officials from federal ministries and departments, officials from the Offices of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of all provinces, and development partners.
Participants reviewed the progress of the programme, assessed the implementation of previous decisions, and set priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The committee stressed the need to accelerate the completion of pending activities, strengthen intergovernmental coordination, and ensure timely implementation of decisions.
For the next fiscal year, priorities include good governance, digital service delivery, public financial management, inclusive budgeting, evidence-based policymaking, and youth engagement. The minister highlighted the importance of Gen Z–friendly programmes, improved digital systems, and better interoperability.
The committee also emphasized reducing audit arrears at provincial and local levels and allowing greater flexibility for local governments in using their 40 percent budget allocation.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Swiss Ambassador to Nepal Dr Danielle Meuwly praised the government and technical teams for their resilience and reaffirmed continued support from partners including the European Union, Norway, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
UNDP Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka said UNDP would continue to support provincial and local governance through technical assistance, cross-learning, and global expertise.
UNDP reiterated its commitment to working with the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, and local levels to strengthen an inclusive and accountable federal governance system.
(RSS)
