Kathmandu. Six local levels have been selected for the Innovation Partnership Programme in Gandaki State. Devchuli Municipality of Nawalpur, Putalibazaar Municipality of Syangja, Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality of Gorkha, Myagde and Rishing Rural Municipality of Tanahun, Besisahar Municipality of Lamjung and Gharpajhong Rural Municipality of Mustang have been selected for the elections.

Out of 29 proposals submitted from various local governments for the programme, eight project proposals were approved after evaluation by the Province Selection and Recommendation Committee, said Parbati Lamichhane, under-secretary at the office.

A budget of Rs 41.0 million has been allocated for the Innovation Partnership Programme. “The local levels receive the grants as per the Innovation Partnership Programme operation procedure, and the local levels have a maximum of 30 percent share,” Lamichhane said.

Under the Innovation Partnership Program, Farmers’ School Project will be implemented in Devchuli Municipality, Enterprise Development and Business Promotion Project targeting the Muslim community in Putalibazar Municipality and Manakamana Waste Management Project in Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality.

Similarly, educational development of children in Myagde Rural Municipality, waste collection and management centre in Gharpajhong rural municipality, promotion of beekeeping production in Besisahar municipality, bee industry in Rishing rural municipality and Matka homestay project in Gorkha municipality are to be started.

The programme, implemented under the Province and Local Government Empowerment Project, aims to help make the province and local governments capable and accountable. This year, 15 local levels have been selected and the project is in the implementation phase.