Jul 01, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has requested explanations from 23 local levels that failed to present their annual policies, programs, and budgets for the fiscal year 2083/84 during the recent budget session. Through a formal letter, the ministry has directed various rural municipalities and urban municipalities to clarify within three days the status of their budget drafting process and reasons for delay.

According to the letter, under the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, and the Inter-Governmental Fiscal Management Act, 2074, local governments are legally required to approve their revenue and expenditure (budget) by the executive committee by Ashar 10 and present it in the assembly, with approval to be completed by the end of Ashar.

The ministry stated that based on the details submitted on its portal and received reports, some local levels have not yet submitted their budgets within the legally mandated timeframe for the fiscal year 2083/84, prompting the request for clarification.

The letter asks for details on the current stage of the budget drafting process, reasons for missing the deadline, and any additional coordination or facilitation needed from the ministry. Local governments are also requested to share their upcoming assembly schedules to facilitate smooth budget approval before the end of Ashar.

This initiative aims to ensure timely budget preparation and full legal compliance across local governments, the ministry announced.