Kathmandu, Jan 19: Vice-Chairperson of National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha stated that the local government plays an important role in the development of rural areas.Delivering his view in a discussion on rural economy organized by Visionary Shreekant Adhikari Foundation here on Monday, Vice-Chairperson Shrestha asserted that since local government is the permanent government, it plays a crucial role in rural development.