Nepal's Road to Federalism

This book focuses on selected critical issues and challenges that are vital to the success of the federal system of government and which need timely attention to establish a functional federal system. These issues and challenges are prioritized and chosen from a long list that have emerged in the context of the implementation of the cooperative type of federalism in Nepal. The main issues and challenges that are analyzed in this book include: (a) overlap and confusion in functions and responsibilities; (b) service delivery interruptions; (c) intergovernmental relation and cooperation; (d) policy, institutional and legal framework; (e) resource mobilization and financial autonomy; and (f) participatory planning, budgeting and implementation at local level.

This book includes three case studies (Germany, Brazil and South Africa) that have the potential to convey some lessons that can potentially benefit Nepal's federalism process. These case studies have been analyzed from the perspective of exploring and drawing useful lessons for Nepal. The experience of case countries and lessons are included on the second last section of the book. The book also includes some experiences and lessons from the decentralization process of other countries.

Damodar Adhikari holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Decentralized Governance from the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany. Prior to completing his doctoral work, he received a joint Masters in Regional Development Planning and Management from the School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), University of the Philippines and the Faculty of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund, Germany. In addition, he holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

Dr. Adhikari brings more than 30 years of experience in design, management and implementation of development programs from grassroots to the national level. He is an expert in local governance, public policy, sector reform and systems strengthening, and possesses significant expertise in planning and management, translation of evidence to policy and planning, decentralization, federalism, and capacity-building in Nepal and elsewhere in Asia.

Dr. Adhikari's work is focused on fostering capacity building and managing reforms to improve governance and increase access to and utilization of public services through innovative approaches. He is experienced in strengthening transparency, oversight and public accountability. He worked as an expert in health policy and planning, health systems strengthening and local health governance at RTI International and other institutions for more than 13 years in different capacities.