Nepal’s federal structure holds immense potential to strengthen democracy, promote balanced development, and bring governance closer to the people. However, the effectiveness of this system depends on a clear and practical separation of powers among the Central, Provincial, and Local Governments.
This document presents my perspective on how responsibilities should be distributed across the three levels of government to ensure efficiency, accountability, and equitable progress. The goal is to create a governance model where the Central Government focuses on national strategy and stability, the Provincial Governments drive regional coordination and growth, and the Local Governments deliver direct services and empower communities at the grassroots level.
A suggested structure for clear separation of responsibilities among Central, Provincial, and Local Governments for effective federal governance in Nepal.
1. Central (Federal) Government
Main Focus: National Policy, Defence, Economy
Key Responsibilities:
• Foreign affairs and international treaties
• National defence and army
• Currency, central bank, and fiscal policy
• Export–import regulation and customs
• National highways, railways, and hydropower
• Aviation, telecom, and energy grid
• Citizenship, passport, and immigration
• National disaster management coordination
• Supreme Court and constitutional bodies
2. Provincial Government
Main Focus: Regional Development, Law & Order
Key Responsibilities:
• Provincial police and public safety
• Secondary and higher education
• Provincial hospitals and health policies
• Agriculture and irrigation management
• Provincial roads and transport regulation
• Regional industries and tourism promotion
• Environmental and forest management
• Culture, language, and heritage preservation
• Provincial disaster management
3. Local Government (Municipal/Rural)
Main Focus: Service Delivery, Community Development
Key Responsibilities:
• Basic (school-level) education
• Primary health care and sanitation
• Local agriculture and farmer support
• Local roads, drinking water, and drainage
• Municipal planning and waste management
• Local police/community security
• Property and business tax collection
• Housing and land use management
• Social welfare and youth programs
• Local disaster response (flood, fire, etc.)
Summary Philosophy
• Central: Strategy, defense, economy, and diplomacy
• Provincial: Regional coordination, police, education, and infrastructure
• Local: Direct service delivery and community development