Seven provinces unite to press for powers, resources and administrative reforms

The chief ministers of all seven provinces have urged the federal government to transfer constitutionally guaranteed powers, ensure predictable financial resources and clarify administrative responsibilities, while pledging to cut wasteful spending and make provincial governments more accountable

Chief Ministers of six provinces release the 'Koshi Declaration-2026' at the conclusion of the Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers' Conference in Biratnagar. All hoto: Anil Shrestha

MORANG: Even as a decade approaches since the promulgation of the Constitution, the Chief Ministers of all seven provinces have created joint pressure, concluding that the federal government has not shown generosity in implementing the constitutional rights of the provinces. Stating that the federal government retains control over the rights, financial resources, and administrative structures of the provinces, they have demanded immediate legal and structural reforms.

The ‘Koshi Declaration-2026,’ issued on Wednesday following the Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers’ Conference held in Biratnagar on October 13 and 14, raised the difficulties in implementing federalism, confusion in power distribution, and issues seen in the allocation of financial resources. Through the 22-point declaration, the chief ministers have pressured the federal government for the transfer of rights while also expressing their commitment to making provincial governments’ structures efficient, frugal, and accountable.

This time, the chief ministers have not merely expressed dissatisfaction with the center but have also pledged to address the allegations leveled against provincial governments regarding wasteful expenditure, unnecessary structures, and scattering the budget on small projects. The declaration also prioritizes not interfering unnecessarily in the rights of local levels and increasing economic and administrative cooperation between provinces.

Chief Ministers signing the Koshi Declaration-2026

Dissatisfaction with the center over transfer of rights

In the declaration, the Chief Ministers expressed special dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing administrative and security rights. They demanded that the Federal Civil Service Bill, which has been pending in Parliament for a long time, be passed as soon as possible in alignment with the constitutional rights of the provinces.

They assessed that the confusion seen in the management of provincial chief secretaries, secretaries, provincial attorneys, chief administrative officers of local levels, and even forest guards has affected service delivery at the provincial and local levels.

Similarly, they demanded the implementation of provisions regarding provincial police administration and peace and security, which are under the single rights list of provinces in Schedule-6 of the Constitution. The Chief Ministers demanded that the jurisdiction between the Nepal Police and Provincial Police, as well as authority over crime investigation and traffic management, be clarified, and that the police organization, manpower, weapons, physical infrastructure, and records be transferred to the provinces.

Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki honors Chief Ministers of other provinces with Dhaka topi and coats