Kathmandu, Sept 6: A total of 61 local levels have not yet unveiled their budgets for the current fiscal year 2025/26 (FY 2082/83), despite the constitutional provision requiring local levels to present budgets by Asar 10 (June 24) every year.
According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), out of 753 local levels, 692 have already introduced their budgets, while the remaining 61 have failed to do so due to political disputes and lack of coordination.
Province-wise status (not furnishing budget)
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Koshi Province: Five local bodies, including Bhojpur Salpasilichho Rural Municipality, Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Sunbarshi Municipality (Morang), and Sunkoshi Rural Municipality (Okhaldhunga), have yet to present their budgets.
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Madhes Province: The highest number, 40 local bodies, have failed to unveil budgets. This includes, 5 from Saptari, 3 from Siraha, 10 from Dhanusha, 1 from Mahottari, 5 from Sarlahi, 5 from Rautahat, 5 from Bara, 5 from Parsa
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Bagmati Province: Five local bodies, including Hariharpurgadhi (Sindhuli), Bigu (Dolakha), and Khaniyabas and Galchhi (Dhading), have not submitted their budgets. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has presented its budget but has not uploaded the details to the ministry’s portal.
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Gandaki Province: All local bodies have successfully presented their budgets.
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Lumbini Province: Seven local bodies, including Palhinandan and Pratappur (Nawalparasi West), Kotihimai and Sammerimai (Rupandehi), Shuddhodhan (Kapilvastu), Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City and Lamahi (Dang), are pending.
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Karnali Province: Three rural municipalities of Salyan — Kumakh, Chhatreswori, and Dharma — have not presented budgets.
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Sudurpaschim Province: Only Tikapur Municipality has failed to present its budget.
Constitutional provision
The Constitution of Nepal mandates:
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The federal government must present the annual budget at a joint session of the Federal Parliament by Jestha 15.
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Provincial governments must present their budgets by Asar 1.
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Local governments must unveil their budgets by Asar 10 each year.
Despite these provisions, dozens of local governments continue to face challenges in timely budget presentation, impacting governance and service delivery. #nepal #budget
