Introduction
Background, objectives, and legal framework of the municipality
1.1 Background
After a long and sacrifice-filled struggle of the Nepali people, a federal democratic republican state system has been established in Nepal. As this system, which has been successfully practiced in various countries around the world, is new to Nepal, it will certainly take some time to become accustomed to it. A strong aspect of the federal governance system is citizen-centric governance. Under Nepal's federal system, the state structure has been divided into three tiers. The Constitution of Nepal has established local levels as local autonomous governments alongside the federal (central) government, provincial government, and the lowest tier of local government. Schedule 8, Serial No. 6 of the Constitution states that the entire authority regarding the collection of local data and records belongs to the local government, while Section 11(2)(d) of the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 further expands upon the matters mentioned above.
Therefore, by exercising the authority provided by the Constitution of Nepal and the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, this profile has been prepared with the belief that it will help guide the sub-metropolitan city towards the right direction of development and prosperity, serving as the primary source for development planning, policy formulation, and local information at the local level, in accordance with the Village/Town Situational Profile Preparation Procedure, 2078 prepared by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.
1.2 Objectives
The main objective of preparing the situational profile is to systematically record the overall situational information of the sub-metropolitan city and to update those data or information and make them available to stakeholders when necessary. The other specific objectives of the situational profile are as follows:
(a) To prepare a record of information and data related to the overall physical infrastructure, economic aspects, social aspects, natural resources, and disaster management of the sub-metropolitan city.
(b) To prepare a record of information and data about service delivery and institutional mechanisms.
(c) To analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, challenges, and possibilities.
(d) To prepare thematic base maps for various subjects.
(e) To explain and analyze overall demographic, economic, social, physical, natural, historical, religious, and cultural data.
(f) To classify the received information, organize it in a systematic and simple manner, and present it divided into various sections so that it can be understood by the general public.
(g) To prepare a consolidated statistical base related to all the subjects mentioned above.
1.3 Legal and Policy Framework
As mentioned in the background, the following are the bases for preparing the situational profile of the sub-metropolitan city.
(a) Constitutional Basis
The Local Government Operation Act, 2074, enacted to interpret Schedules 8 and 9 of the Constitution of Nepal, grants the rights and responsibilities of maintaining and updating local data records to local governments. This has provided the sub-metropolitan city with the basis to prepare its situational profile.
(b) Policy Bases
Under the policy bases, overall plans, policies, and provincial policies prepared by the Government of Nepal, as well as local-level policies developed on these foundations, require factual data as a fundamental necessity for their implementation. Since there exists both a policy need to prepare comprehensive information for the sub-metropolitan city and a policy framework for information management, this situational profile has been prepared on those grounds.
(c) Local Necessity
Objective information is necessary to operate local government and to identify local needs. Once local needs are identified, development policies, plans, and programs can be formulated. Therefore, a comprehensive compilation of information and data necessary for advancing the overall development process and operating local government is essential, making this another important basis for preparing this situational profile.
In addition, objective information is required to implement international treaties and agreements that Nepal has signed as a party state. Since factual information is needed to achieve sustainable development goals, mitigate climate change impacts, ensure human rights, and maintain environmental balance for sustainable development, this profile has been prepared based on these needs.
1.4 Preparation Stages
The following methods were used in preparing the situational profile of this sub-metropolitan city –
Data available from various thematic branches, thematic offices, and various organizations of the sub-metropolitan city were included.
Data was collected through direct interview methods with ward chairpersons and other officials of all wards.
Results of the National Census 2078 and other various surveys were included.
During the analysis of data in this study report, various tables, charts, and maps were used to carry out descriptive and comparative analyses.
Primary and Secondary Data Collection
The work of preparing the situational profile was carried out using both Primary and Secondary information collection methods. Data such as land use, roads and their quality, and environmental problems were collected using Geographic Information System data (GIS Data), topographic maps, aerial maps, survey maps, field inspection, and interview methods. Additionally, information about the major problems and development possibilities of the sub-metropolitan city was obtained by holding discussions and interviews with officials of various government and non-government bodies, intellectuals, and reputable personalities located in the sub-metropolitan city. Overall data of the sub-metropolitan city such as physical, environmental, social, economic, financial, and institutional data was collected from the records of the sub-metropolitan city office and government and non-government offices in the sub-metropolitan city, and some data were collected by studying reports and books published by relevant departments and other bodies.
1.4.1 Profile Format, Tools and Procedure Preparation
The following activities were carried out in the first phase of this preparation:
A decision was made by the executive meeting to commence the situational profile preparation work in a way that reveals the geographical status, population, social, economic, natural, physical, environmental, and institutional situation of the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City area and provides geographically and socially disaggregated information.
According to the standard format of the situational profile, the questionnaire was finalized with the involvement of experts, incorporating results from the National Census 2078 and various other surveys, for institutional surveys and participatory accounting surveys.
1.4.2 Profile Preparation Workshop
For the preparation of the situational profile, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City organized a one-day situational profile preparation workshop with the participation of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, executive members, Chief Administrative Officer, ward secretaries, heads of thematic branches/sub-branches/units, and knowledgeable local experts or local specialists selected by the sub-metropolitan city. The workshop aimed to build common understanding, clarity, and ownership among executive officials, staff, and stakeholders regarding the standard format, data sources, collection and analysis preparation methods, and to develop a work plan through discussion and determine the responsibilities and work plan for preparing the situational profile.
1.4.3 Data Collection
To construct the situational profile here, two types of data were collected: institutional information and data received from the National Census 2078, Agricultural Census, various surveys, Human Development Report, and others. Under institutional data collection, data were collected through questionnaires with the cooperation and coordination of each ward office and various branches of the executive. In the context of collecting institutional data, GIS Coordinates were taken to organize the resource map and GIS Mapping.
1.4.4 Data Processing, Analysis and Resource Mapping
Computer software was designed and developed to organize and analyze the received data, tables were prepared as needed, and MS Excel was also used for additional analysis. All types of received data were analyzed using MS Excel. For resource map preparation, both methods were used: creating GIS-based resource maps using software based on GIS Database, and using Mapping through Google Map by entering GIS Coordinates in the software developed for data management.
1.4.5 Draft Profile Preparation
By organizing the reports obtained from data processing, analysis, and resource map preparation, and following the directions of the Situational Profile Preparation Procedure 2078, experts prepared the draft report of the situational profile and submitted it to the sub-metropolitan city within a specified time period.
1.4.6 Feedback Collection
After the first draft of the municipality's situational profile was prepared in the prescribed format, a one-day validation workshop was organized at the executive level to discuss the draft situational profile. The activities carried out at the validation workshop included: collecting feedback for improvement by verifying the accuracy and facts of information and descriptions presented, exchanging feedback to include subject areas not covered by the draft situational profile or aspects that need to be revised, verifying the interrelationships and comparative aspects of data, information, and descriptions presented in the situational profile, and declaring commitment to use the profile's information in plan formulation, development construction, service delivery, performance, and result monitoring after publication of the situational profile.
1.4.7 Final Report Preparation of the Sub-Metropolitan City's Situational Profile
The situational profile was finalized by incorporating the feedback received from the workshop, re-consulting with relevant stakeholders as needed regarding topics that need to be revised in the draft report and the feedback presented at the workshop, and by paying attention to the feedback from experts to ensure the standard and quality of the situational profile.
1.5 Scope of Profile
As determined by the National Planning Commission and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the sources and base year of data used in preparing the sub-metropolitan city profile have been disclosed. This situational profile has been prepared based on data available from thematic branches of the sub-metropolitan city, government and non-government offices, data provided by other organizations, various ministries, departments, and other sources.
According to the concept of the situational profile, it provides accurate information about all aspects of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City in a simple and clear manner. Every effort has been made to make the study as objective as possible. However, due to limitations in sources, resources, and information management, all expected information could not be obtained. Nevertheless, data necessary according to the objectives defined in the study have been included.