Eighty-four local governments have either changed their names or centre. Their move follows widespread dissatisfaction with the decision of Local Level Restructuring Commission (LLRC) to fix their names and centres.

Following the decision of the respective governments, the Cabinet approved the changes made by 44 local bodies while other 40 names are pending approvals.

While demarcating 753 local federal units, the Commission, after consulting with the District Technical Offices and representatives of political parties, had fixed the centres and named the respective local units.

With new representatives taking leadership roles following elections, the local councils from over 11 percent of the total local federal units have opted for changes in names or centre.

In many local units, people were dissatisfied with the Commission’s decision to select centres not accessible to people.

The rural municipalities or the municipalities were formed after the merger of at least three units on an average.

The first phase of local elections was held in May while the entire election completed in September giving all the local federal units the elected government for the first time in two decades.

Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development Under Secretary Chhabi Rijal said, “Local units can change their centre, names or even merge if their council meeting approves. The Cabinet has already endorsed 44 such decisions while 40 more await endorsement.”

So far no decision for merger has been taken. The Local Level Governance Act authorises the Local Level Council for the changes in the name, centre or merger. Clause 4 (3) of the Act says ‘any Local Level Council with two-third majority can make decisions on changes in names, centre and merger’.

The decision has to be conveyed to the federal government through MoFALD, unless provincial governments come into the existence. The decision comes into force once the Cabinet approves it. The Cabinet doesn’t bear the authority not to approve the decisions.

Local governments from now on will convey their decisions to the federal government through the provincial governments since they are now functioning.

Despite the reservation of the LLRC the number of local bodies was increased to 753 as demanded by Madhesi parties.

LLRC officials claim only 300 local units can be economically viable in the country. The current number of units is more than twice the required figure.