Kathmandu Metropolitan City misses budget deadline amid internal disputes

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has failed to present its annual budget within the June 24 deadline.

The delay is reportedly due to internal disputes, particularly between Mayor Balendra Shah and the federally-appointed Chief Administrative Officer.

The city council has not met for a long time, and no official reason has been provided for the delay.

Kathmandu, one of the highest-spending local bodies, has yet to discuss its policies and budget, raising concerns over governance at the local level.

However, the other five metropolitan cities—Biratnagar, Birgunj, Lalitpur, Bharatpur, and Pokhara—have submitted their budgets within the deadline.