Consultation Meeting on PLGSP Reprogramming
Date: 12th December 2023
Location: MoFAGA Hall, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu
The Consultation Meeting between the Government of Nepal (GoN) and Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) Development Partners (DPs) regarding the re-programming of the national flagship program, Provincial and Local Governance Support Program (PLGSP), took place on 12th December 2023 at MoFAGA Hall in Kathmandu. The event was chaired by Mr. Binod Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, and graced by Hon. Anita Devi, Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), as the chief guest.
Joint Secretary of MoFAGA and National Program Director Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi made a presentation on the current status of program, need for re-programming and ongoing activities regarding reprogramming. Dr. Regmi presented that PLGSP is a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening federalism in Nepal by enhancing institutional, organizational, and individual capacities at all levels of government, with a particular focus on provincial and local levels. He appreciated the support of development partners, particulalry the European Union, FCDO (UK), Government of Norway, Swiss Development Cooperation, and UN Agencies (UNDP, UN Women, UNCDF).
The program director, Dr. Regmi emphasised that the slow pace of Nepal's federalization process necessitated a review and reprogramming of PLGSP. Also to mitigate the challenges like immature institutions, limited capacity at provincial and local levels, slow behavioral changes, and achievements limited to specific areas. The low expenditure of committed funds due to different circumstances and recommendations from Mid-Term Review (MTR). Third Party Monitoring (TPM) and the Technical Assistance Structural Review further emphasized the need for reprogramming.
Dr. Regmi presented the updated on re-programming activities including the accession of USAID as a JFA-DP, a Letter of Exchange between GoN and DPs held in June 2023, and different stakeholder consultations along with dialogue on key principles between DPs and GoN agencies.
in the event, Hon. Minister thanked the development partners for their continual support in strengthening federalism in Nepal, and ensured a mutual efforts in the days ahead. Appreciating the efforts of PLGSP, despite of challenges and areas to progress, Hon. minister emphasing the need of government in improving service delivery through strong foundation of federalism and its institutions, ensured that ministry will continue building on existing relationships
Agreeing on this, the Development Partners, during the consultation, presented a note to the Hon. Minister proposing key principles for consideraion in the phase of PLGSP reprogramming and requested ministry to provide its response on the proposed key principles.
During the consultation meeting, participants discussed the core purpose of PLGSP in supporting cooperative federalism, emphasizing its successful delivery over the past three years. Key considerations included improving collaboration between federal ministries and provinces, designing services around people's needs, making services demand-led, committing to collective actions, increasing ownership at all government levels, and prioritizing actions based on key principles.
Way Forward:
The reprogramming process is on track, with discussions ongoing to finalize key principles, structures, and agreements with DPs. The emphasis is on a logical approach, meaningful impacts, and a streamlined governance structure for better planning and execution. The transition to a demand-led, qualitative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of PLGSP in contributing to Nepal's federalization goals. The Ministry's response to the proposed key principles will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of PLGSP.
