Bikash Dash @bik_dash

How is Nepal’s federal governance system performing nearly 10 years after the landmark 2015 Constitution? The State of Federalism Report 2025 provides the first-ever comprehensive, evidence-based baseline tracking political, fiscal, and administrative progress across federal, provincial, and local levels. While core federal structures and democratic institutions are firmly in place, the report maps out crucial paths forward: 👉 Sharper roles and responsibilities 👉 Stronger intergovernmental coordination 👉 Enhanced fiscal autonomy and administrative capacity at local levels Commissioned by the Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration (@mofaganepal) with support from UNDP Nepal through the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), this roadmap is designed to guide future reforms through 2029 and beyond. 🔗Read the full report: go.undp.org/PLGSP-SFR @EUinNepal | @NorwayinNepal | @SwissAmbNepal |

From Coordination to Action: Shaping the Next Phase of Nepal’s Federalism 🇳🇵🏛️ Representatives from all three tiers of government, development partners, and experts gathered at the Nepal Administrative Staff College for a critical Policy Dialogue on Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) and Own Source Revenue (OSR). Addressing the inaugural session, UNDP Nepal Resident Representative @KyokoYokosuka said the next phase of federalism would require five strategic shifts: from coordination to implementation, from unclear interfaces to functional cooperation, and from fiscal dependence to stronger fiscal capability. She also called for a shift from fragmented systems to interoperability and from pilots to government-owned systems at scale. Matthias Meier, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland, shared valuable lessons from Switzerland’s federal experience on how provincial and local governments can exercise meaningful political and fiscal autonomy. Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoLMCFAGM) Dilaram Panthi stressed the role of these discussions in building trust and called for greater clarity on horizontal and vertical differences so future reforms can respond to varying local contexts. Through the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), and in partnership with MoLMCFAGA, the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland, @UNDP is committed to building trust, strengthening fiscal autonomy, and ensuring sustainable governance across #Nepal.

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The first-ever National Community of Practice (CoP) Workshop for Provincial Research and Training Academies (PRTAs) kicks off in Pokhara, Gandaki Province. Jointly organized by the Gandaki Provincial Training Academy and the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) with technical support from UNDP, this landmark event brings together PRTA Executive Directors from all 7 provinces, representatives from the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration and the Nepal Administrative Staff College as well as national and international experts. PLGSP supported by the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland, promotes the CoP approach to provide a regular platform for federal and sub-national institutions and practitioners to learn from one another, share practical experiences, jointly address common challenges, and apply knowledge to strengthen policies and institutional practices. Rather than relying only on traditional methods, the workshop will follow a sensemaking approach based on dialogue, peer learning and co-creation. The workshop aims to establish a National CoP for PRTAs, develop a PRTA Roadmap 2030 and adopt the Pokhara Declaration. These outcomes are expected to contribute to a shared vision for stronger provincial institutions that can effectively support the country's federal governance system. #Federalism #InstitutionalStrengthening #EvidenceBasedPolicy @mofaganepal

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Bridging research and policy for a stronger federal Nepal. Today, @UNDP and Pokhara University (@pukaski) signed a strategic Letter of Agreement under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) supported by @EUinNepal, @NorwayinNepal, and @SwissAmbNepal to help establish the university as a leading knowledge hub on federalism. Through this partnership, we will: 🔹 Establish a Federalism Policy Lab to generate evidence-based insights for provincial and local governments. 🔹 Develop capacity-building programmes on fiscal federalism, GESI, and other governance priorities. 🔹 Engage Youth Data Ambassadors to inspire the next generation of governance leaders and researchers. Speaking at the event, Ajay Thapa, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences said, “This collaboration offers an exciting opportunity to establish the Policy Lab at the University, nurture a new generation of young researchers and policy practitioners, strengthen research-to-policy linkages, and produce practical knowledge that supports research-driven policymaking and development in Nepal.” Similarly, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. @KyokoYokosuka thanked the leadership of Pokhara University and emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking. She stated, “Today’s signing ceremony marks a new milestone and a strategic investment in ensuring that policies are designed and implemented based on credible evidence and real-world experience. Strong partnerships between academia, governments at all levels, and development partners such as UNDP are essential to this process. This partnership offers a promising model that can be replicated in other provinces to strengthen evidence-informed governance and development outcomes.” Speaking at the event, @bik_dash, National Programme Manager of PLGSP, underscored the role of youth in advancing evidence-based governance. He stated, “A unique feature of this initiative is the engagement of Youth Data Ambassadors. These graduate students will be engaged in field-based research across local governments, contributing to evidence generation and policy analysis while developing the skills needed to become the next generation of researchers and governance practitioners supporting Nepal’s federal journey.” This collaboration is a strategic investment in building a sustainable ecosystem where research and data directly inform public policy, contributing to more effective, inclusive, and accountable governance. Building the future of governance, together. #EvidenceBasedPolicy #GoodGovernance #YouthEngagement

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“Change begins with informed dialogue." These words from @UNDP Resident Representative @KyokoYokosuka set the stage for a powerful Federalism Awareness and Youth Dialogue in Pokhara today. Young participants from Gandaki Province stepped into the shoes of policymakers in a budget simulation, mapped government responsibilities to improve public services, and designed their own accountability tools. The dialogue, organized under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) supported by the European Union, Norway, and Switzerland is a core part of UNDP's commitment to ensuring Nepal's governance systems are inclusive and responsive. The day culminated in the drafting of a Provincial Youth Federalism Charter and the formation of a new Provincial Youth Federalism Network—a lasting platform for young voices to influence policy. Young leaders are not just learning about federalism; they're shaping it. Through simulations & innovation labs, they're creating solutions for a more inclusive & accountable #Nepal. @mofaganepal | @UNDPNepal Read more: go.undp.org/PLGSP-Youth #YouthLeads #GoodGovernance #LeaveNoOneBehind

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Strengthening local revenue systems for a more accountable and resilient federal Nepal. Government institutions, development partners, IFIs, local governments, and governance experts came together at the Co-Creation Workshop on Own Source Revenue (OSR) and Fiscal Federalism—convened under the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) with technical support from UNDP Nepal. The workshop brought together representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (@PM_nepal_), Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs & General Administration, Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), local governments, Local Government Associations, @unicef_nepal, the @EUinNepal, @SwissDevCoop, Norway, @ADB_HQ, Swisscontact, and GIZ, and other partners and stakeholders. Designed as a collaborative platform, the workshop focused on aligning ongoing efforts, reducing fragmentation, and jointly shaping practical and scalable pathways to strengthen local revenue systems across Nepal. Through thematic group discussions, participants explored: 🔹Operational challenges in local revenue administration 🔹Digitalization, valuation, compliance, and institutional capacity 🔹Intergovernmental coordination and enabling policy systems 🔹Scalable and evidence-based reform pathways for fiscal federalism As highlighted by @JulienPRChev, Deputy Resident Representative, @UNDP, “Strong Own Source Revenue systems are not only about generating more revenue—they are fundamental to strengthening local accountability, improving service delivery, and building trust between citizens and government.” Similarly, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Land Management, Co-operatives, Federal Affairs & General Administration and National Programme Director of PLGSP, Dilaram Panthi, emphasized the importance of building shared understanding and clearer practices around revenue mobilization, noting that lessons and perspectives from local governments would help shape future directions and actionable recommendations for strengthening fiscal federalism in Nepal. With many local governments still heavily reliant on transfers, the workshop reinforced the need for coordinated, system-wide reforms to ensure federalism delivers for citizens. #FiscalFederalism #LocalGovernance #PublicFinance

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📍Gandaki Province| Municipal Governance & Service Delivery: 18 LGs Key challenges: ⚙️ HR gaps, slow systems, complex processes Innovations from LGs: ✅ One-stop service delivery models ✅ Digital tools & grievance apps ✅ Citizen feedback systems #LocalGovernance

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📍Koshi | Own Source Revenue (OSR): 25 LGs Discussions revealed shared realities: ⚙️ Informal taxpayers, weak valuation systems, low awareness And emerging practices: ✅ Door-to-door campaigns ✅ Market-based revenue collection ✅ Exploring digital tools

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📍Bagamati | Own Source Revenue (OSR): 25 LGs LGs are tackling real challenges: ⚙️ Weak tax base, data gaps, low compliance But also sharing real solutions: ✅ Field-based registration ✅ SMS reminders & incentives ✅ Linking services with tax compliance #PeerLearning in action

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Under #PLGSP with @UNDPNepal, Communities of Practice (CoPs) are bringing LGs together to learn, solve & improve collectively. In each - Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki - one LG volunteered to host next session. Ownership has begun @NorwayinNepal @EUinNepal @SwissAmbNepal @mofaganepal

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The Portfolio Approach succeeds—or struggles—based on how teams learn, adapt & work across silos. Insights from Tunisia & Bosnia show that shifting from delivery to system‑change means rethinking governance, learning questions & trust. #PLGSP #UNDPNepal #UNDPTunisia #UNDPBosnia

Proud to share that PLGSP, with TA from UNDP, has been entrusted by OPMCM under the 100-Point Agenda to develop the OSSD system for digitalizing ward-level services. The system automates workflows, connects LGs, District & line offices, and integrates grievance handling.

60 Young Fellows, recruited by KU under PLGSP, will soon support 60 LGs across 3 provinces in planning, service delivery & local governance. 🇳🇵 This initiative brings young professionals directly into LGs as partners in change. Stronger youth participation = stronger federalism.

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Power to the People: Building the Foundation of Local Governance 🏛️🤝 Following the restoration of democracy in the early 1990s, @undpnepal brought initiatives like the Participatory District Development Program (PDDP) and the Local Governance Program (LGP) to bring decision-making power directly to the local level. By training elected officials and promoting participatory planning, these projects laid the groundwork for a decentralized, accountable, and inclusive system. Today, this legacy continues through UNDP’s support to strengthened local governance systems under programmes like the Provincial and Local Governance Support Programme (PLGSP), enhancing service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. Initiatives such as the One Stop Service Delivery (OSSD) approach are now being replicated by the Government across multiple municipalities, making public services more accessible and efficient. 🔗 Read more: undp.org/nepal/projects… UNDP: 60 Years Together. 🇳🇵 #UNDPNepal60 #LocalGovernance #EmpoweringCommunities

Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming Youth Dialogue Series on Federalism, scheduled to take place this May across all seven provinces. The series is being organized by the PLGSP,with technical assistance from UNDP. Further details will be shared soon—watch this space!

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An exciting moment for Nepal’s digital governance journey! OPMCM & MOFAGA have entrusted UNDP through PLGSP to deliver key priorities from the 100-point agenda establishing OSSD at local level with workflow automation & grievance handling.

UNDP in Nepal @UNDPNepal

6 months ago

One Nation, One Service Experience: Advancing Digital OSSD for All Citizens The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (@mofaganepal), in collaboration with @NepalOpmcm and supported by @UNDP through the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme,

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From pilot to policy—@UNDPNepal has been supporting smarter, more citizen-centric public services. Through the @EUinNepal-funded Support to Inclusive Federalism Programme, @UNDP worked with local governments in Karnali to pilot One-Stop Service Delivery—bringing services under one roof, reducing wait times from days to hours, and significantly improving citizen satisfaction and trust. What started in Dullu, Panchapuri, and Chaurjahari municipalities is now informing broader conversations on governance reform in #Nepal. As the country looks to scale one-stop service models nationally, the lesson is clear: real reform goes beyond systems—it’s about trust, inclusion, and putting citizens at the centre. @mofaganepal | @EUinNepal | @UNDPNepal Read more in an article by @thehimalayan: go.undp.org/OSSD-EUSIF-PLG…

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Happy to have been part of the UNDP led EUSIF programme that piloted the One-Stop Service Delivery model in Karnali .....which has now become a major center of attraction in the GoN's 100-day agenda.

Santosh Chhetri @Aandhikhola

6 months ago

One-Stop Service Delivery model brings services under one roof, eases public burden. Successfully piloted in Karnali by @UNDPNepal & @EUinNepal to complement @plgspmofaga, it’s now a key focus of RSP govt 100-day agenda. Our joint op-ed @shangrila_thapa thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/one-st…

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#PLGSP held a strategic dialogue with LG Associations to inform the planning.🗝️priorities: PFM reform, fiscal discipline, institutional readiness, legislative capacity, and stronger inter‑governmental coordination. @NorwayinNepal @EUinNepal @SwissAmbNepal @mofaganepal @UNDPNepal

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Building on the State of Federalism Report 2025, the TTA component of PLGSP with support from UNDP is advancing a biennial MIS to track federalism indicators—led by OPMCM & MOFAGA. Turning evidence into action. 📊 #NepalFederalism

PLGSP MOFAGA @plgspmofaga

6 months ago

Stronger evidence base for Nepal’s federal future📊The State of Federalism Report 2025 sets the country’s national baseline on the federal transition. Through #PLGSP‑led consultation with OPMCM, @mofaganepal , @UNDPNepal, the analysis was refine to inform policy & practice.

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