Functions, Duties and Powers of the Ward Chairperson in Nepal

Question: Mention the Functions, Duties, and Powers of the Ward Chairperson as Provided for in the Local Government Operation Act, 2074.

The Ward Committee is the lowest elected administrative unit within Nepal’s local government structure. It consists of five members: one Ward Chairperson and four other members. The Ward Chairperson leads the Ward Committee and coordinates its activities.

Functions, Duties, and Powers of the Ward Chairperson

Until the division of functions, duties, and powers is specified by the Rules of Division of Work of the Rural Municipal Executive or Municipal Executive, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, provides for the following responsibilities of the Ward Chairperson:

1. Chairing the Ward Committee: Perform duties as the Chairperson of the Ward Committee.

2. Coordination and Facilitation: Coordinate and facilitate the work of Ward Committee members.

3. Preparation of Ward Development Plans and Budget: Prepare, or arrange for the preparation of, ward-level development plans, budgets, and programmes and submit them to the Rural Municipality or Municipality for approval.

4. Implementation and Monitoring: Implement, or arrange for the implementation of, plans and programmes carried out at the ward level, and conduct or arrange for their monitoring and periodic review.

5. Recommendation and Certification: Carry out recommendation and certification-related functions as prescribed by law.

6. Delegation During Absence: If the Ward Chairperson is to remain absent from the ward for more than seven days, assign a member of the concerned Ward Committee to handle daily administrative and recommendation-related tasks and inform the Chairperson of the Rural Municipality or Mayor of the Municipality accordingly.

7. Other Assigned Responsibilities: Perform other functions assigned by the Executive, Assembly, or Ward Committee.

Conclusion

The functions, duties, and powers of the Ward Chairperson and the Ward Committee are governed by the applicable Rules of Division of Work approved by the respective Executive. The responsibilities specified in the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, are also incorporated into these rules to clarify the Ward Chairperson’s role. Effective performance of these responsibilities is essential for ward-level development, accessible public services, and accountable local governance.

Local Government Operation Act 2074, Ward Chairperson, Local Governance, Ward Committee, Nepal Law, Loksewa Preparation, PSCInsight