Rolpa — CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary and former Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said that federalism is not just a political choice but a national necessity and the base for Nepal’s future.
Speaking at an annual review program in Rolpa on Tuesday, which evaluated last fiscal year’s projects and activities run by federal and provincial offices, Pun explained that the spirit of federalism lies in sharing sovereign rights through three levels of government.
“Citizens are the true owners of the country. The constitution has already recognized a three-tier federal structure, and with that, sovereignty rests with the people. Our democratic system accepts that people have the right to govern,” he said.
Cooperation and Respect for Autonomy
Pun stressed that Nepal’s federalism is built on cooperation between federal, provincial, and local governments. For it to function effectively, he noted, clarity of roles, coordination, and proper division of responsibilities are crucial. He also pointed out that this is the right time to conduct periodic reviews of federal practices as envisioned by the constitution.
He cautioned that federal programs must not override the authority of local governments. “The federal government should not impose conditional projects in areas that fall under local jurisdiction,” he said, adding that the constitutional spirit must always be respected.
Making Federalism Work in Practice
Pun highlighted that strong legal foundations, clear responsibilities, better coordination, and sound financial management are key to making federalism successful. While the constitution envisions the federal government focusing on policymaking, provinces working as development agencies, and local bodies delivering services, he admitted that gaps in implementation remain and must be corrected.
He concluded by saying that federalism should not be about making demands from the federal government alone but about working together to make the system sustainable and effective through proper implementation of constitutional provisions.
