Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a virtual meeting with the chief ministers of all seven provinces on Friday to discuss service delivery, good governance, progress, and challenges faced by provincial governments.
This was Oli’s first meeting with the chief ministers since assuming office on July 14. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour discussion emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the federal and provincial governments. Oli expressed his intention to hold one-on-one meetings with the chief ministers and engage in further discussions during the budget formulation process. He also pledged to visit provinces and attend provincial assemblies to discuss national development and implementation strategies. Additionally, he urged chief ministers to utilize modern information technology to facilitate discussions at the district level and within projects.
Highlighting education as a cornerstone of development, Oli shared his initiative of offering online supplementary classes in major subjects with the assistance of young professionals. “Over 57,000 students have already benefited from this program. I encourage you to implement similar initiatives at the provincial level,” he said. Oli also emphasized the importance of leveraging digital advancements in sectors like healthcare to improve public services.
During the meeting, the chief ministers briefed the Prime Minister on their achievements, challenges, and potential solutions. They requested budget continuity for multi-year contracts, streamlined land acquisition and forest clearance processes for infrastructure projects, increased funding for disaster management, and the allocation of necessary human resources for provincial and local governments. They also called for stricter controls on smuggling, resolution of compensation disputes related to the East-West Railway Project, and a review of work division between federal and provincial authorities.
Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal assured the chief ministers that their concerns would be addressed in federal cabinet meetings and discussed with relevant government secretaries.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, and other senior officials.
Key Concerns Raised by Chief Ministers:
- Budget & Infrastructure: Requested budget continuity for multi-year contracts and streamlined land acquisition & forest clearance for infrastructure projects.
- Disaster Management: Sought increased funding for disaster preparedness and response.
- Human Resources: Called for necessary staffing in provincial and local governments.
- Law & Order: Urged stricter controls on smuggling.
- Compensation Issues: Resolution of disputes related to the East-West Railway Project.
- Federal-Provincial Coordination: Advocated for a review of work division between federal and provincial authorities.
