Jan 12, Kathmandu- Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has said that a provincial government that can empower the local level is needed to strengthen it. He said that in the current situation, the provincial government has not been able to achieve this.

In a meeting with Bagmati Province Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of the Office of the Council of Ministers, Dr. Hari Prasad Lamsal on Sunday, Shah said, "If the problems of local governments are to be discussed with the federal government, why is the provincial government needed? Even when it comes to the problem of squatters, the federal government is active. The federal government is also interested in the improvement and restoration of the river system. What is its existence when the provincial government is not visible in such matters? The provincial government should play a guardian role in the work done of the local level. That could not happen."

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Dr. Lamsal mentioned that the current situation has arisen due to the failure of political and administrative dialogue between the provincial and local governments. He said, "I will try to manage administrative issues. I will create an environment for political dialogue".