The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) is making preparations to announce additional 20 municipalities in various districts across the country. If the government approves the proposal, total number of municipalities across the country will reach 211.A Municipal Area Delineation and Recommendation Committee of the ministry headed by Dr Keshabanan Giri has finalized 15 areas and working on other 12 proposed areas in various districts for upgrade into municipalities.
The committee has finalized Bherimalika of Jajarkot, Bhanu and Abu Khaireni of Tanahu, Bajrabarahi of Lalitpur, Madhyabindu of Nawalparasi, Rapti and Kalika of Chitwan, Galang of Syanga, Chaughari of Rukum, Gaurada of Jhapa, Bhrikuti of Kapilbastu, Budhinanda of Bajura and Bagchaur of Salyan, among other areas. Similarly, other 12 areas under consideration for upgrade into municipalities are in Surkhet, Gorkha, Rukum, Bajhang, Jhapa and Terhathum districts.
"We have finalized 15 areas for upgrade into municipalities as the areas meet minimum infrastructure requirements set by the government. We are also working on 12 other proposed areas," said Laxmi Pandey Gautam, under-secretary of the ministry and executive coordinator of the committee.
Likewise, the ministry is also planning to merge 30 villages with municipalities. The ministry has also formed a taskforce for merger of villages to form municipalities in line with the budget announcement by the government.
She said as locals in some districts are yet to agree on the proposal the committee has not reached any conclusion on the proposed areas. "Likewise, some areas even do not even meet minimum infrastructures requirements," she said, adding half of the proposed areas may be upgraded.
Last year, in May, the government announced 72 new municipalities and in December 61 new municipalities, making the total number of municipalities reach 191. Prior to the announcements, there were only 58 municipalities across the country.
Related story
New leadership in five municipalities in Chitwan
