Even as three months of the current fiscal year have nearly passed, 43 out of Nepal’s 753 local governments have yet to present their annual budgets.
According to the constitution, every local level must unveil its budget by Ashar 10 (around June 24) each year. However, several local bodies have failed to meet the deadline, drawing criticism for neglecting their constitutional responsibility.
As per the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, 94.29% of local levels have already presented their budgets, while 5.71% remain without one. The primary reason for the delay, officials say, is political disagreement within local bodies.
Province-wise Breakdown:
- Madhesh Province: Of the total 136 local levels, 34 have yet to present their budgets — the highest number among all provinces. Municipalities and rural municipalities in Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha (including Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City), Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa remain without budgets.
- Koshi Province: Two local levels — Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City — have not yet presented their budgets.
- Lumbini Province: Four local levels — Palhinandan Rural Municipality, Kothimai Rural Municipality, Shuddhodhan Rural Municipality, and Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City — are still without budgets.
- Bagmati Province: Only Khaniyabas Rural Municipality in Dhading District has not yet presented its budget.
- Karnali Province: Chhatreshwari Rural Municipality in Salyan District has failed to present its budget.
However, all local levels in Gandaki and Sudurpashchim Provinces have presented their budgets on time.
While the federal government unveils its budget on Jestha 15 (around May 29) and provincial governments on Ashar 1 (mid-June), local-level budget processes have repeatedly faced delays in recent years due to internal political deadlocks.
About the Author
