Kathmandu — Five provincial chiefs, including Gandaki Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta, held a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The provincial chiefs who were available in Kathmandu met with PM Oli on Monday night at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.

The meeting focused on the implementation of federalism, the functioning of provincial governments, and coordination between the federal and provincial governments. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that discussions also took place regarding the conditions in each of their respective provinces.

The provincial chiefs who met PM Oli late Monday night at Baluwatar included Dilliraj Bhatta of Gandaki Province, Parashuram Khapung of Koshi Province, Sumitra Subedi Bhandari of Madhesh Province, Deepak Prasad Devkota of Bagmati Province, and Najir Miya of Sudurpaschim Province. The chiefs of Koshi and Karnali provinces were unable to attend as they had returned to their provinces for official duties after meeting with the President on Asar 18.

PM Oli emphasized that provincial chiefs are not only the heads of their respective provinces but also representatives of the federal government and therefore act as coordinators between the federal and provincial levels. Highlighting recent criticisms of federalism, particularly the provincial structure, he stressed the need to strengthen and make federalism more effective.

During the collective meeting, the provincial chiefs informed the Prime Minister that all seven provincial chiefs had earlier met with President Ramchandra Paudel at the President’s Office in Shital Niwas for discussions. They submitted a joint report to the Prime Minister outlining shared views on the social, political, and economic situations within their respective provinces.

The provincial chiefs also raised the challenges they have faced, including ambiguities in existing laws and regulations, and requested the Prime Minister to address these issues.

Gandaki Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta stated that the main topic of the meeting with the Prime Minister was the effective implementation of federalism. On that occasion, the provincial chiefs also urged for regular contact and coordination with the Prime Minister.