Effectiveness of local government service delivery in federal context: A study of Banganga municipality, Kapilvastu district
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Department of Rural Development
Abstract
Nepal has witnessed a number of political movements subsequently in the last three
decades. However, the nexus of political changes with the development discourses
and practices is not analysed sufficiently and academically. With the promulgation of
Constitution of Nepal in 2015, the country formally incepted federal system of
governance and thus local bodies have been transformed into the local levels. The
powers, authority and jurisdictions for the local levels have been provisioned in
Constitution of Nepal (2015). Similarly, to make easier and effective management and
operations for the local levels, the Local Government Operation Act, 2017 has been
already enacted and in use.
In this context, the general objective of the study was to explain opportunities and
challenges of service delivery of the local government in federal context. The study
site was purposively selected Banganga Municipality, situated in Kapilvastu district.
The study followed both descriptive and explanatory research designs. Accordingly, it
followed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, where the former one
was dominant and largely adopted. The study was based on both the primary and
secondary data and information. The primary data were collected through an
Institutional Survey, Exit Poll Survey, Key Informant Interview and Observation. Due
to the nature of the study, the purposive accidental sampling method had been
adopted.
The findings of the study reflect that the institutionally the municipality was not
strong since the physical infrastructure was very poor. The office of the municipal
was also not sufficient to provide service efficiently. The public officials were young
and newly entered in the service sector, so they were not experienced much but active
and excited for delivering services. Elected representatives were also capable in term
of their education, knowledge and experience. Likewise, the effectiveness of the
administrative service delivery was realized in the municipality. It means, there was
effective and quality service delivery. Local government in federal context has
opened the door of opportunities for administrative accessibility, administrative
convenience and responsible and accountable bureaucracy. However, it has been
facing acute problems of physical infrastructure, economic resources and human
resources, especially public officials for local levels service delivery.