Kathmandu — Three months into the current fiscal year, 43 local levels across Nepal have yet to present their annual budgets, despite constitutional deadlines having long passed.
Nepal has 753 local levels, all of which are expected to announce their budgets by Ashar 10 (late June). This timeline follows the national budget calendar, with the federal government presenting its budget on Jestha 15 (Republic Day in late May), and provincial governments following on Ashar 1 (mid-June).
According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the delay at the local level stems mainly from lack of political consensus.
Provincial Breakdown
Koshi Province: 135 out of 137 local levels have submitted their budgets.
Pending: Itahari and Dharan Sub-Metropolitan Cities.
Madhes Province: 102 of 136 local units have submitted budgets.
Remaining 34 include:
Saptari: Dakneshwari, Rajbiraj, Agnisair Krishnasavaran, Chhinnmasta, Balan Bihul.
Siraha: Kalyanpur, Dhangadhimai, Sukhipur.
Dhanusha: Janakpur, Kshireswor Nath, Dhanushadham, Nagrai, Mithila, Aurahi, Kamala, Janaknandini, Hanpasur, Dhanauji.
Mahottari: Sonama.
Sarlahi: Malangwa, Harivan, Chandranagar, Ramnagar.
Rautahat: Kathariya, Devahi Gonahi, Fatuwa Bijaypur, Yamunamai.
Bara: Mahagadhimai, Subarna, Bishrampur.
Parsa: Pokhariya, Pakaha Mainpur, Sakhuwa Prasauni, Kalikamai.
Bagmati Province:
Only Khaniyabas Rural Municipality (Dhading) has not presented its budget.
Gandaki Province:
100% compliance — all local units have submitted budgets.
Lumbini Province:
4 local units pending:
Palhinandan (Nawalparasi), Kotahimai (Rupandehi), Shuddhodhan (Kapilvastu), Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City (Dang).
Karnali Province:
Pending: Chhatreshwari Rural Municipality (Salyan).
Sudurpashchim Province:
100% compliance — all local units have submitted budgets.
National Budget Submission Status
Submitted: 710 local levels (94.29%)
Not Submitted: 43 local levels (5.71%)
Key Issue
The main reason for the delays in budget presentations is reported to be political disagreements at the local level, which have stalled decision-making and fiscal planning.
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