A two-day dialogue on Lumbini Province level economic development held in Lumbini of Rupandehi concluded on Monday stating that the municipalities should be financially strengthened to support the economic development of the local level. The programme also stressed on the identification of local needs and its management and implementation to support sustainable economic development.
In the dialogue organised by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, with the technical support of GIZ/LPED Nepal, held discussions on the needs of the local level, long-term planning and implementation, entrepreneurship development, the possibility of economic development along with job creation and various procedures.
The programme was attended by 20 local level chiefs of Lumbini province, deputy chiefs, chairmen, vice-chairmen, chief administrative officers and others.
Rajesh Gautam, deputy secretary of the ministry and programme coordinator, said that during the first day’s session, experiences were also exchanged with the industrialists of Rupandehi on issues related to economic development. He said that jobs would be created in the local level if the municipalities were strong.
“The municipalities should first identify what is needed and proceed with a plan,” Gautam said. “So far only issues of social development have been raised at the local level, but the issues of economic development have been overshadowed and now it is necessary to strengthen the municipalities economically along with social development.”
Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality Mayor Sajruddin Musalman emphasized that every municipality should take benefit by promoting local products and tourist spots in their respective regions. He said that many municipalities were not able to utilize their potentials and being elected as a mayor he had been focused on the financial development of the municipality and the locals.
Lumbini Province Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration secretary Netra Prasad Subedi stressed on financial development of the municipalities by exchanging economic development exercises with other municipalities and maximum use of the local resources.
Similarly, chief administrative officer of Butwal Sub-metropolitan City Tek Raj Panthi said that many possibilities would become real if governmental and private institutions and municipalities worked together.
Source : TRN,
