KATHMANDU – Prime Minister Balendra Shah held three-hour discussion with the Chief Ministers of the provinces at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today in a bid to resolve issues evolved in course of the implementation of federalism.
During the discussion, the chief ministers had presented their province-wise problems. On the occasion, PM Shah held an interactive discussion with the chief ministers about their issues and resolving measures.
The PM suggested some tips to immediately address some technical and practical problems raised by the chief ministers.
Pledging to swiftly initiate actions through a shared mechanism of the federation and province to unpack policy-level complications, he said, “The government is ever ready to address intricacies surfaced between the federation and the provinces. So, I invited you to the capital for discussion”.
Likewise, PM Shah urged the chief ministers to advance the reforms that the province governments can carry out without any delay.
Chief Ministers were elated with the Prime Minister for his interactive and cordial gesture during discussion.
After a discussion that was completely different and more positive than expected, the CMs were also asked for their feedback.
On the occasion, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, said, “My first interaction with PM Shah was cordial and friendly, just like a conversation between very old friends. He listened to our concerns seriously and occasionally asked exhaustive questions for further clarity”.
Though PM Shah had an experience of managing local government affairs the meeting today also helped him closely understand the issues of the province, Pandey added. “His gesture was optimistic to smoothly steer the implementation of federalism in coming days”.
Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Indra Bahadur Baniya, also commented that the PM’s personality and gesture made the discussion easy. “What I had heard about him was not true. It was said that the PM speaks little and doesn’t listen to others, but he gave ample time to listen to our concerns and also shared his own views”.
“We are happy to see his immediate action through the PM office today for necessary facilitation”, CM Baniya shared.
Similarly, Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya responded that he felt the Prime Minister has deeply embraced the spirit of coordination, cooperation, and coexistence among the three tiers of government as per the Constitution.
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav and Karnali Province CM Yamlal Kandel echoed the opinions made by other chief ministers.
It was shared that Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki could not attend the meeting due to family reasons, and Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah was unable to participate due to health issues.
