KATHMANDU, August 19: Fiscal federalism experts have raised concerns over the two bills related to formation of a national natural resources and fiscal commission and distribution of sources of revenues to the central, state and local levels, stating that they have taken a centralized approach that may lead to concentration of resources at the central level.

KATHMANDU, August 10: At a time when the donor-influenced school sector reform program (SSRP) has bitten the dust, the government has extended its Rs 1.1 trillion School Sector Development Program (SSDP) for another seven years. SSDP is being vehemently criticized as a centrally imposed program against the spirit of federalism.

KATHMANDU, Dec 31: Most of the hospitals outside Kathmandu lack modern facilities, with intensive care units (ICU), trained health workers and equipment concentrated disproportionately in the capital city.