Federal Features in the Constitution of Nepal: Causes, Current Status and Challenges

Abstract Nepal passed a new constitution in September 2015, introducing a federal state structure with a federal level, seven provinces and municipalities. Drawing the map caused controversies between those in favour of “ethnic” provinces and those emphasising economically viable units. The Constitution leaves some areas of powers to be defined by later legislation. However, there are few indications that the intention was to have weak middle level. The paper discusses in detail the extent authorities given to each level of government and to what extent in particular the provinces are given a significant role, which may offer an answer to the early demands for local autonomy.