The first Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of PLGSP in Madhesh Province endorsed PASIPB for FY 2081/82 and provided directives that will strengthen result-based implementation and sustainability of PLGSP Phase-II.

The meeting was chaired by Hon. Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh and attended by 24 out of 26 PSC members, including the Principal Secretary, Provincial Secretaries, and other high-level officials.

Key presentations were made on the review of PLGSP Phase-I, introduction to PLGSP Phase-II, roles and responsibilities of the PSC, concept and selection criteria of the Innovative Partnership Fund (IPF), and key findings of the Capacity Development (CD) Assessment.

The committee:

· Endorsed the Provincial Annual Strategic Implementation Plan and Budget (PASIPB) for FY 2024/25

· Directed the preparation of the IPF Procedure for Madhesh Province

· Provided instructions for the PASIPB for FY 2025/26

· Instructed the IPF Technical Committee to ensure fair selection, quality implementation, and sustainability of IPF schemes

High-level participants acknowledged the contributions of PLGSP Phase-I and committed to ensuring full ownership and effective execution of PLGSP Phase-II with a strong focus on results and institutional sustainability.

The Madhesh Province will develop and endorse its IPF Procedure, initiate the implementation of the FY 2024/25 PASIPB, and begin preparations for the FY 2025/26 PASIPB. This meeting has laid the foundation for strengthened provincial ownership and strategic direction, contributing to PLGSP’s overall goal of improved service delivery through stronger provincial and local governance systems.