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Federal govt, ward officials into fresh dispute over jurisdiction

File image: The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development

Kathmandu, December 31

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development of the federal government and officials of local governments have once again entered into a new dispute over the jurisdiction of local bodies after the Ministry barred ward chairpersons and ward committee from handling financial affairs.

Local leaders have expressed concerns over the circular issued by the Ministry earlier this month barring the ward committees from opening accounts and taking decisions on financial matters.

Likewise, the circular also restricted ward officials from approving bills and receipts of transactions made in the ward. They have to submit all bills and receipts to municipality or rural municipality offices for the approval.

Therefore, ward chairpersons have accused the Ministry of breaching their jurisdiction and imposing centrality.

“We have to get bills of tea served to our guests and stationery brought for official purpose approved from rural municipality officers,” Chairman of Likhu Rural Municipality-1 in Ramechhap district, Ningmar Dongba says.

The Ministry’s spokesperson Rudra Singh Tamang, however, says no law allows ward officials to carry out financial functions.

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