With an aim to facilitate the works of the newly elected people’s representatives at the local level, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development has forwarded 10 draft laws to the grassroots units on work division and resource mobilisation.

The line ministry last Friday approved the draft laws necessary for the local governments to carry out their tasks smoothly and to clear the confusion among the local representatives elected after a gap of two decades over running the powerful federal councils.

The draft laws are expected to streamline the responsibilities of the local representatives besides ensuring uniformity in the works of the local units across the country.

The ministry has also uploaded the drafts dealing with the finances, work division and meeting procedures at the local bodies on its website.

Since the government has already allocated funds for the local level, the Federal Affairs Ministry is preparing to orient the people’s representatives on budget preparation.

The ministry is set to conduct training for trainers on Wednesday while orientation for the local representatives would be held at the district headquarters from Thursday.

Local Development Ministry Spokesperson Rudra Singh Tamang said the financial transaction guidelines for the local level were being finalised.

According to Tamang, the drafts were sent out early as the local governments need to endorse their budget from the village and municipal councils by mid-July.

“Once the local units endorse the drafts after specific revisions as required, they will become laws to govern their activities,” said Tamang.

However, the constitution authorises each local body to develop its own legislation to meet their specific needs.