KATHMANDU, July 2: In a rare and symbolic gathering at the President’s official residence Sheetal Niwas, President Ram Chandra Paudel convened with all seven provincial chiefs to deliver a powerful message: the health of Nepal’s federal democratic republic hinges on the strength, integrity, and coordination of its provinces.
Framing the provincial governments not just as administrative units but as the pillars of federal success, President Paudel called for immediate and sincere collaboration between federal and provincial levels. “The provinces are not peripheral—they are central to the promise of our constitution,” he declared.
Great Leadership: A Road Less Traveled
In a political landscape often marked by delays and legal ambiguities, President Paudel pushed for a sense of urgency: finish provincial legislation, deliver services to citizens swiftly, and transform government into a people-centered, accountable force.
President Paudel didn’t shy away from pointing out that structures alone don’t build trust. “The character of governance must be inclusive, people-oriented, and rooted in good faith,” he said, calling for provincial leaders to be both visionaries and coordinators.
He also advocated for a “healthy competition” among provinces while promoting inter-provincial cooperation—signaling a shift from isolated governance toward a more collaborative national ethos.
The provincial chiefs, for their part, were candid in outlining the legal and operational challenges they face. They requested clearer laws, less ambiguity, and stronger support from the federal government.