Kathmandu: While five of Nepal’s six metropolitan cities have presented their budgets on time in line with constitutional provisions, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) — the federal capital — has failed to do so by the Asad 10 deadline.

According to the Local Government Operation Act and the Intergovernmental Financial Management Act, all local governments are required to submit their annual budgets for the upcoming fiscal year by Asad 10 (June 24 this year). While Biratnagar, Birgunj, Lalitpur, Bharatpur, and Pokhara met the legal obligation, KMC has yet to table its budget.

The delay has sparked concern as Kathmandu's annual budget exceeds that of several federal ministries and draws significant public interest. However, the Municipal Assembly has not convened for an extended period, and no official explanation has been issued regarding the failure to present the budget.

Sources within the metropolis suggest that a dispute between Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) and the Chief Administrative Officer appointed by the federal government may be a key reason behind the delay. Insiders say that no formal consultations have taken place between officials regarding the policies, programs, and budget for the coming fiscal year.

While several other local levels across the country have also faced delays due to internal disagreements or technical reasons, the absence of a budget from the capital city has drawn particular attention.

Public and political observers are now awaiting clarification on when Kathmandu Metropolitan City will present its budget and what development priorities and fiscal plans it will lay out for the upcoming year.