Nepal government has decided to increase 22 local bodies in Tarai region. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting held at Kathmandu last evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Cabinet also decided to upgrade Biratnagar and Birgunj sub-metropolitan cities to metropolitan cities. <br/><br/>According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's office the cabinet also decided to upgrade 24 rural local bodies as municipalities. With adding of 22 local units the total number of local bodies has now reached to 766. A Task Force formed under Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Federal Affairs and Local Development Bijay Kumar Gachhadar recommended to increase the number of local bodies and upgrade some local units. Madhesi parties are demanding to increase local units before second phase of local elections. Polls for second round is scheduled on June 14.