KMC Mayor Balen Rejects Chief Officer Appointment

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah has rejected the government’s decision to appoint Saroj Guragain as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MOFAGA) had assigned Guragain to this role and asked KMC to support him. However, Mayor Shah refused to accept this decision.

In a letter to the ministry, Mayor Shah said that the current Local Government Operation Act, 2074, needs to be updated before a new CAO can take office. Until then, he suggested giving financial powers to the acting CAO. This would allow office work to continue smoothly without appointing a new CAO right away.

Why Did Mayor Balen Reject the Appointment?

The mayor believes that the appointment process is unclear and that the law should be changed before selecting a new CAO. He wants KMC to have more control over such decisions rather than following direct orders from the ministry. According to him, the current system does not give local governments enough power to choose their own officials.

On August 26, MOFAGA had assigned Guragain as the CAO and told KMC to assist him. However, Mayor Shah’s letter made it clear that Guragain would not be allowed to work in this position.

What Happens Next?

Since Mayor Shah has rejected Guragain’s appointment, the city will continue working with the acting CAO. The mayor has proposed that this temporary arrangement should remain in place until the law is changed or a new CAO is officially appointed.

This decision has created tension between KMC and MOFAGA. The ministry may now have to discuss the issue further or find another way to solve the problem.

Why Does This Matter?

The Chief Administrative Officer is an important role in the city government. This person helps manage budgets, services, and city planning. Without a CAO, KMC may face challenges in running daily operations. Mayor Shah’s decision shows that he wants more power for local governments to make their own choices rather than following direct orders from the federal government.

This issue is still developing, and people are waiting to see how the government responds. Will MOFAGA change the law? Or will they try to enforce their decision? The coming weeks will bring more clarity on this matter.

Conclusion

Mayor Balendra Shah’s rejection of Guragain’s appointment has sparked a debate about the power of local governments. While he insists that the law must be amended first, the ministry had expected KMC to cooperate. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle between central and local authorities in Nepal’s governance system.