The Gandaki Province Government has officially merged two provincial offices in Baglung district headquarters to provide integrated services from a single location. The move follows the provincial cabinet’s decision to streamline administrative structures, promote cost-efficiency, and improve public service delivery.
Two Offices Merged to Form Integrated Service Center
According to officials, the Office of Industry and Tourism and the Office of Social Development, both operating under the Gandaki Province Government, have been combined to form a single Integrated Service Office. The new office has begun operations from the premises of the former Industry and Tourism Office.
Office Chief Parasingh Thapa shared that the integration aims to eliminate duplication of work, reduce administrative burden, and ensure that citizens receive multiple services from one convenient location.
Formal Inauguration Conducted by Chief District Officer
The integrated office was formally inaugurated on Wednesday by Chief District Officer Kumansingh Gurung. During the inauguration, Gurung provided recommendations for industry registration and renewal to service seekers, marking the official commencement of integrated services. Officials stated that the provincial government decided to merge offices as part of its policy to maintain fiscal discipline and deliver services more efficiently.
Wide Range of Services Under One Roof
With the new structure, the Industry and Tourism Section will manage:
- Industry registration and renewal
- Training and capacity-building programs
- Infrastructure development in tourism areas
Meanwhile, the Social Development Section will oversee:
- Programs targeted at specific communities
- Infrastructure development in schools, monasteries, and religious sites
- Social development and education-related services
Although primary operations are running from the former Industry and Tourism Office, the Social Development and Education Unit continues to function from the previous Social Development Office building, Thapa informed.
Two Ministries Will Continue to Oversee the Office
Despite the integration of services under one administrative unit, the accountability remains divided between two provincial ministries. The integrated office will continue functioning under:
- Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment
- Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports
This structure ensures that sector-specific expertise and oversight remain intact even after the administrative merger.
Part of a Larger Restructuring Plan
This integration is part of a broader restructuring initiative implemented in mid-July. The Gandaki Province Government had previously dissolved seven directorates and merged 32 offices into 17, aiming to reduce administrative layers and strengthen service delivery across the province.
Officials believe the new integrated model will help the government utilize resources more effectively, avoid overlapping responsibilities, and provide faster and more efficient services to the public.
