Nepal, Aug. 20 -- Many argue that federalism in Nepal is expensive. Yet, this criticism often comes from those who prefer a centralised state, members of the educated elite, or individuals with feudal mindsets. These critics are fully capable of explaining why federalism was introduced and how its costs could be managed efficiently, yet they frequently remain silent on solutions. Instead, they repeat phrases like 'federalism is costly' or 'provinces are unnecessary' without examining the evidence.

What is often overlooked is that provincial expenditures constitute less than 10 percent of total spending within the three-tiered state structure. Federalism has brought government services closer to the people. Citizens from the far eastern a...