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By Sandeep Chaudhary

Local Governments Improve Balances by Rs. 611 Million: Grassroots Fiscal Strength

Local Governments Improve Balances by Rs. 611 Million: Grassroots Fiscal Strength

Nepal’s local governments have shown a positive turnaround in fiscal discipline during the first month of fiscal year 2025/26, improving their overall balances by Rs. 611 million, according to the Ministry of Finance’s budgetary operation data. This marks a significant recovery compared to last year’s early fiscal months, when most municipalities reported negative balances due to delayed budget approvals and low capital spending.

The improvement reflects better revenue mobilization, controlled expenditures, and efficient fund utilization at the municipal and rural municipality levels. Increased property tax collection, business registration fees, and improved coordination with provincial treasuries have contributed to this recovery. Furthermore, faster disbursement of federal fiscal transfers and better digital financial tracking under the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO) have strengthened local treasury management.

Analysts note that this improvement at the grassroots level signals a healthier trend in fiscal federalism, as local bodies become more accountable in managing their budgets. However, experts caution that sustainability depends on how effectively local governments convert balances into productive capital investments—especially in infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

In broader fiscal terms, the local government balance of Rs. 611 million, alongside provincial surpluses and federal revenue gains, has contributed to Nepal’s overall positive cash balance of Rs. 226 billion as of mid-August 2025/26—one of the strongest fiscal cushions in recent years.

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