Nepal, Nov. 27 -- The formal implementation of federalism in Nepal began after the three-tier elections in 2017. As it completes its seventh year, the journey to effective implementation remains fraught with challenges. The recent Kantipur Conclave (November 13-14) brought together the chief ministers of all provinces to discuss the progress, hurdles and opportunities in federal governance in a session titled "Face to Face with Chief Ministers". Their insights shed light on the practical realities of federalism, revealing gaps in legislation, administrative autonomy, fiscal federalism and intergovernmental relations.

Chief ministers highlighted several shared concerns about federalism's implementation. Hikmat Karki, Chief Minister of Kos...