Roles and Responsibility of the Provincial Government in Recovery and Reconstruction

In order to conduct, produce and broadcast media episodes on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and contribution of Joint Recovery Action Plan (JRAP) project; MHL team were reach out Karnali Province for this episode. It is an exclusive interview with Honorable Chief Minister, Mr.Yam Lal Kandel Karnali Province. The discourse was conducted on the issues of status of the role of province government in recovery, response and reconstruction, challenges, solutions, voices of communities’ and beneficiaries, how province government can be engaged more proactively in recovery and reconstruction and how the province government can be more accountable and responsible to affected communities, concerned authorities and stakeholders.

During his appearance on the program Talk of the Town, Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel shared insights into the groundwork laid during his six-month tenure, ongoing initiatives, and future plans. He emphasized prioritizing the unconditional implementation of the budget passed by the Provincial Assembly, with visible outcomes from its execution starting from July 24. The Chief Minister discussed fostering a productive mindset among government employees, ensuring their commitment and efficiency beyond bureaucratic constraints. He also highlighted ongoing discussions with stakeholders involved in development and construction projects.

Regarding the Jajarkot earthquake, the Chief Minister elaborated on the provincial government’s role in search, rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. He acknowledged the complexities of the federal governance system, pointing out the increased responsibilities of local governments while highlighting certain systemic limitations that the provincial government cannot amend.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the inefficiencies in relief distribution, noting that local governments and district administrations have struggled to allocate even the NPR 50,000 provided to them. To address this, he outlined how the provincial government allocated NPR 50 Crore for reconstruction under the “Quotation Based on Limited Resources” program. This budget includes NPR 25 crore for Jajarkot, NPR 22 Crore for West Rukum, and NPR 3 Crore for Kailali, specifically for building health posts and schools. He emphasized that the initiatives align with the objectives of provincial ministries and avoid duplicating efforts by development partners.

The Chief Minister highlighted the provincial government’s financial and logistical support for relief and reconstruction efforts in Jajarkot. He noted that while local governments are primarily responsible for implementation, their active participation is crucial for visible progress. The provincial government’s efforts may appear understated externally due to their internal nature, but significant support has been extended, which local governments should acknowledge.

Addressing broader challenges, the Chief Minister stressed the need for changes in the working style and attitudes of local governments in Karnali Province. Without these changes, he argued, effective implementation of second-tranche distribution, detailed damage assessments, and the construction of temporary shelters and reconstruction projects would remain elusive.

During a review of his first 100 days in office, the Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister had pledged to allocate funds for second-tranche payments and detailed damage assessments, with decisions to be made within 15 days. Subsequently, the Chief Minister participated in the National Disaster Council meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister. Although the meeting primarily addressed monsoon-related issues, discussions included the Jajarkot earthquake, leading to decisions to formulate relevant plans.

The Chief Minister also shared outcomes from the 53rd meeting of the National Problem-Solving Committee, where disaster management and reconstruction were key topics. It was decided that the Disaster Management Committee and the Ministry of Finance would develop necessary policies and financial arrangements to support reconstruction efforts.

Looking forward, the provincial government is committed to collaborating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Ministry of Finance to secure budgets and advance reconstruction programs. The Chief Minister pledged to convene a Disaster Management Committee meeting within 15 days to address these priorities. He also emphasized the need for accountability, stating that those failing to fulfill their responsibilities would face consequences, and efforts would be made to address inefficiencies in budget allocation and disbursement.

The Chief Minister reassured citizens that the provincial government is prepared to lead relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts where there are no policy obstacles. He highlighted the limitations of structures and resources, urging all stakeholders to align their efforts with constitutional directives. He expressed concern that some central-level authorities have failed to adopt a constitutionally guided approach, resulting in public dissatisfaction and hampering governance.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of governance structures. He pledged to enhance the provincial government’s effectiveness, hold non-performing entities accountable through public feedback, and ensure reconstruction efforts are expedited and impactful. The provincial government is also committed to collaborating with development partners to achieve reconstruction goals. However, the Chief Minister emphasized that effective disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction require robust coordination among all three tiers of government, stakeholders, and development partners. He urged all parties to strengthen cooperation to deliver meaningful results.