KATHMANDU: The World Bank has signalled strong support for Nepal’s ambitious transition to federalism when its board of executive directors approved a $200 million credit to improve public financial management.
The Fiscal and Public Financial Management Development Policy Credit is the first in a two-part programme to support the government of Nepal in establishing a framework for fiscal federalism and improved public financial management, as per the World Bank.
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“Nepal today is at a historic juncture as it transitions from a unitary to a federal democratic republic. Expectations are high that the new structure will deliver on greater equity and accountability,” the statement issued by World Bank country office quoted Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, Qimiao Fan, as saying. “This operation will help establish a fiscal framework that will ensure that the newly elected governments can deliver better services to all Nepali citizens.”
It will support implementation of Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act; establishment of the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission; adoption of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill; strengthening of public financial management systems; improvements in budget execution; and reforms to improve revenue collection.
Commending Nepal for successfully concluding local, state and federal elections under the new constitutional framework, the executive directors welcomed the bank’s strategic shift to supporting federalism to help avoid disruptions, improve service delivery and promote transparency and accountability.
The directors encouraged the bank to fully support Nepal’s transition to achieve inclusive development, especially in traditionally underserved areas, in coordination with other development partners, reads the statement.
“This Development Policy Credit approved today is one of several components in the World Bank’s overall support on federalism in Nepal. Other support includes policy advice, new investment lending to improve service delivery and improve capacity, as well as restructuring of the existing portfolio to align with the new federal structure.”
