Federation, Province and Local Level (Coordination and Inter-relation) Act, 2077: Bases of Inter-relation (Chapter 2)

Nepal has three levels of government: federation, province and local level. Article 232 of the Constitution says relations between them shall be based on cooperation, coexistence and coordination. The संघ, प्रदेश र स्थानीय तह (समन्वय तथा अन्तरसम्बन्ध) ऐन, २०७७ puts this into law. It was authenticated on 2077 Shrawan 13 and came into force immediately. The syllabus asks only for Chapter 2.

1. Structure of the Act

2. Chapter 2: Bases of inter-relation (Section 3)

Chapter 2 has one section, Section 3. Sub-section 3(1) lists the matters that the federation, province and local level must keep as the basis of their relations. Sub-section 3(2) says provinces and local levels must also respect these matters when making their own laws. The main bases are:

• Matters of fundamental national interest (राष्ट्रिय हितका आधारभूत विषय).
• Protection of national pride and national unity.
• Following the Directive Principles, Policies and Obligations of the State.
• Protection and guarantee of fundamental rights.
• Following national policy and harmonious implementation of the Constitution.
• Building a socialism-oriented economy.
• Respect for each other’s autonomy, together with common concerns.
• Equal protection and security of all citizens.
• Mutual consultation, cooperation and sharing of information (पारस्परिक परामर्श, सहयोग र सूचना आदान-प्रदान).
• Protection of natural resources and the environment, sustainable use of resources and fair sharing of benefits.
• Control of corruption and good governance (सुशासन).
• Mutual cooperation and collaboration (सहकार्य).
• Inclusive, proportional and participatory governance.
• Effective service delivery.
• Coordination in trade, transport, goods and services across the country.

3. Why inter-relation matters

• Avoids overlap and conflict in the use of shared (concurrent) powers.
• Ensures national unity while respecting local autonomy.
• Makes service delivery smooth across all three levels.
• Supports fair sharing of resources and revenue.

Related constitutional bodies: the Inter-Province Council (Article 234), chaired by the Prime Minister, settles political disputes between the federation and provinces or among provinces.

4. Councils that make inter-relation work

Chapter 2 sets the bases of relations, but cooperation happens through councils and committees. Exams often ask who chairs which body.

5. Cooperation in practice: three examples

• Disaster response: the local level gives first relief, the province mobilises resources and the federation sends security forces and national funds. Each level acts within its own powers but in coordination.
• Health: basic health services are a local power (Schedule 8), provincial hospitals belong to provinces, and national programmes such as vaccination are run with federal support.
• Roads: national highways are federal, provincial roads are provincial and local roads are local, so planning must link them to avoid gaps and double spending.

6. Common problems and how to solve them

• Overlapping powers: concurrent lists (Schedules 7 and 9) cause confusion about who does what. Solution: clear laws on each concurrent subject.
• Delayed laws: some federal laws needed by provinces and local levels were made late. Solution: timely federal legislation and model laws.
• Weak capacity and staff: many local levels lack trained staff. Solution: staff adjustment, training and shared services.
• Few meetings of coordination bodies: councils do not always meet regularly. Solution: fixed meeting schedules and follow-up of decisions.

7. How this topic is asked in the exam

• Objective: the year of the Act (2077), Article 232 (cooperation, coexistence and coordination), who chairs the Inter-Province Council.
• Short answer: “Write the bases of inter-relation under Section 3 of the Act.”
• Long answer: “Explain the need for coordination between the three levels of government.” Use the examples in section 5 and the problems and solutions in section 6. See also Federalism and the Local Government Operation Act 2074.