Gaunpalika

A gaunpalika (Nepali: गाउँपालिका, romanized: Gāum̐pālikā, lit.'rural municipality'Nepali pronunciation:) is an administrative division in Nepal. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development dissolved the existing village development committees and announced the establishment of this new local body. It is a sub-unit of a district. There are currently 481 rural municipalities. HistoryThe village development committee was the previous governing body of villages in Nepal. They were replaced on 10 May 2017 by the rural municipalities which were formed by combining different VDCs. The decision was taken by the cabinet of Nepal after modifications in the report proposed by the Local Level Restructuring Commission. Initially 481 rural municipalities were formed but it was later changed to 481 municipalities. According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development the new bodies were to be called "rural municipality" and not "village council" which was the literal translation of the word "gaunpalika". Structure and responsibilitiesAs defined by Part 17 of the Constitution of Nepal, the rural municipalities are governed by a village executive heade