Interaction Program with the Local Government Stakeholders
on
Integrated Periodic Plans (PPs) Development in 9 Districts of Sudurpaschim Province
Sudurpaschim province research and training academy (SPRTA), Punna, Doti organized an ‘Interaction Program about Integrated Periodic Plans Development’ for the 13 selected LGs of Sudurpaschim province on 16th Chaitra 2080. The program was organized at Rato Gurans Resort, Dadeldhura, in which around 54 persons were present including hon’ble minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Mr. Bhanu Bhanubhakt Joshi, DCC Chairperson, Gagan Singh Bhandari, Mayors/chairpersons from 13 LGs, chief administrative officers, DCC officers, representatives from consulting firms, ED and experts from SPRTA, Punna, Doti and other respected invitees.
The program was chaired by Mr. Gehendra Bam, the Executive Director of SPRTA, Punna Doti and was inaugurated by DCC chairperson, Mr. Gagan Singh Bhandari. In a brief inaugural remark, Mr. Bhandari expressed his warm welcome to all the Palika mayors/chairpersons, CAOs, representatives of consulting firms and all other invitees and highlighted the concept and importance of periodic plans for local governments to frame development activities and implement them for the local people and communities.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Mr. Gehendra Bam elucidated the rationale and objectives of the program. Mr. Bam made it clear that the consulting firms were selected through a rigorous but systematic public procurement process according to the government’s rules and regulations. A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was necessary among the consulting firms, 13 LGs and SPRTA, Punna, Doti to ensure ownership of the LGs right from the beginning of the plan development process and also in further monitoring and finalization of the plans. The consulting firms were advised to work closely with the LGs, coordinate with them and develop the plans by engaging the LGs at every PP development stage.
The interaction program primarily focused on the rationale of the tripartite MoU among SPRTA, LGs and Consulting firms; the roles and responsibilities of each party, sharing the gaps or challenges faced in the past and finding the viable solutions to overcome the challenges in the days to come. The consulting firms presented the inception report and work/action plans for the development of PPs in coordination with the concerning LGs and SPRTA, Punna, Doti.
The hon’ble minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhanubhakta Joshi addressed all the participants and thanked the organizer for inviting to attend the program. He acknowledged that the program was directly related to his ministry and therefore, he was feeling delighted to be a part of the program. Minister Mr. Joshi expressed that he would gladly endorse the decisions made in relation to periodic plans and also committed to joining and providing support in the implementation of the decisions in future.
Finally, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) among three parties (Consulting firms, LGs and SPRTA, Punna, Doti) was signed and shared with commitment from all parties to developing PPs with stipulated quantity, quality and within the given time frame
