KATHMANDU, July 1: With the aim to expedite the task of restructuring the local bodies in line with the new constitution, the government has decided to give permission to the commission to determine the local bodies' numbers and demarcation to appoint experts it requires by itself.

A cabinet meeting held at Baluwatar on Thursday made the decision at a time when major political parties are debating whether to hold the local polls before the commission submits its report or after it.

“The government decided to entrust authority to the commission to appoint required experts so that it can complete its tasks as soon as possible,” Minister for Information and Communications Sher Dhan Rai said.  

On Tuesday, the Election Commission had said that the restructuring commission needs to submit its report making recommendations on the numbers and boundaries of village councils, municipalities and special, protected or autonomous areas for holding the local elections at least 120 days ahead of the date of the local polls.

“So, the meeting has decided to ask the commission to speed up its work,” Minister Rai said.

The government has planned to hold local polls by November-December. And if the local polls are to be held within the deadline set by the government, the restructuring commission, which was formed in mid-March, must submit its report by mid-August.

On Wednesday, the government also wrote a letter to the restructuring commission to complete its work and submit its report as soon as possible to holds the local elections on stipulated time, informed Balanada Pokharel, chairman of the commission.
Meanwhile, the cabinet meeting also decided increase monthly perks being provided by the government to Rastra Kabi (National Poet) from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000.