Advancing Governance Reform: Bagmati Province Hosts High-Level Policy Dialogue
Senior leaders and experts deliberate on federal governance, planning systems, and pathways for improved service delivery
Hetauda, 28 April 2026 With support from the Provincial and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP), the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM), Bagmati Province, convened a high-level Policy Dialogue on Different Dimensions of Governance Systems, bringing together key provincial stakeholders to reflect on strengthening governance under Nepal’s federal structure.
The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Indra Bahadur Baniya, and attended by former Chief Minister, Ministers, Provincial Assembly’s Chairs of different thematic committees, the Chief Secretary, Secretaries, Division Chiefs, and senior government officials.
The dialogue featured two thematic presentations offering both strategic and practical perspectives. Mr. Umesh Prasad Mainali, former Secretary and former Chair of the Public Service Commission, presented on “Federal Governance and Roadmap for Improvement.” Drawing on national and international experiences, he highlighted key success factors of effective governance as well as lessons from institutional shortcomings.
A second paper, presented by a former Vice Chair of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission of Lumbini Province Dr. Nahakul K. C. focused on “Challenges and Solutions in Planning, Programme, Budget Preparation, and Implementation.” The presentation provided grounded insights from provincial practice and emphasized the need for strengthened systems in the context of Nepal’s transition to a developing country by 2026.
The recommendations from Dr. K.C. emphasize strengthening the planning and implementation of provincial plans in Bagamati Province through a participatory and inclusive approach that ensures meaningful engagement of diverse stakeholders. He highlights the importance of integrating best practices and proven provisions from other provinces while advancing evidence-based planning through robust, data-driven project selection processes. A key recommendation is the transition of evaluation systems from perception-based to information-based frameworks, supported by technology-friendly and systematic mechanisms. The recommendations further draw attention to critical challenges in implementation and coordination, advocating for solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement. Additionally, they underscore the need for targeted reforms to promote sustainable development, aligned closely with provincial priorities.
The discussion underscored the importance of digital transformation in governance. Highlighting Bagmati Province’s vehicle tax system as a major revenue source, the session emphasized that automation of services can significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction, with strong potential for replication across provinces.
In his closing remarks, Chief Minister Hon’ble Indra Bahadur Baniya stressed the importance of decisive leadership and clear policy direction. He called for the timely devolution of key functions such as police, civil service, and forest management to the provincial level, and emphasized that policies must be straightforward and actionable to ensure effective implementation.
The dialogue remained highly interactive, with active engagement from participants throughout. A total of 63 participants (7 female and 56 male), including elected representatives, government officials, and stakeholders, contributed to the discussions.
Driving Forward Governance Excellence
This policy dialogue reinforced Bagmati Province’s commitment to strengthening governance systems through evidence-based discussion, institutional clarity, and innovation. By fostering collaboration among political leaders and administrators, the initiative contributes to building a more responsive, transparent, and effective governance framework aligned with Nepal’s federal vision.
