Province Chief Miya suggests review of provincial capital

Dipayal– Province Chief of Sudhurpashchim, Najir Miya, has proposed reconsider- ing the location of the province’s capi- tal. Speaking at an event organised by the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Doti, on Wednesday, Province Chief Miya emphasised the need to rethink the capital decision in light of ongoing development discussions.

“Other provinces are still deciding on their capitals, focusing on devel- opment programmes,” Miya stated. “There was a proposal to establish the capital but progress has stalled which is unfortunate.”

He highlighted that a legal case regarding the capital’s decision is pend- ing in the court. He expressed concern that public attention was currently more fixated on the capital issue than on developmental initiatives. In the beginning, Dipayal was designated as the regional headquarters, hosting the Provincial High Court.

“The High Court is located in Dipayal because it should be situated in the same place as the capital,” Miya said.

“Dipayal is an ideal location with numerous government structures, including the assembly hall centrally located within the province.”

Miya said that elected represen- tatives have the authority to decide the capital’s location, suggesting that a new decision could be taken. “The capital will be determined by a two-thirds majority in parliament,” he said. “Elected representatives must act with integrity. While noth- ing has gone wrong yet there’s still the possibility of shifting the capital to Dipayal or another area. A commission could also decide this by a two-thirds majority.”

Addressing journalists’ questions, Miya mentioned that the constitution could be amended as needed. He also referred to a Supreme Court verdict, stating that the House cannot be dis- solved if there is potential to form a new government. He recalled how the Supreme Court dismissed a dissolution order in 2021.

Miya said that the political insta- bility in the country has delayed law formulation. “Political parties are pre- occupied with retaining or toppling the government, which is a significant mis- fortune for the country,” he lamented.