National
PM-led body sought to regulate I/NGOs
Non-government organisations and international NGOs have proposed that the government form an autonomous and powerful Social Develop-ment Council (SDC) led by the prime minister to replace the Social Welfare Council.Tika R Pradhan
Non-government organisations and international NGOs have proposed that the government form an autonomous and powerful Social Develop-ment Council (SDC) led by the prime minister to replace the Social Welfare Council.
The suggestion comes at a time when the government is preparing to pass a stringent National Integrity Policy aimed at reining in I/NGOs operating in Nepal.
In a written suggestion submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office after discussing the proposed Integrity Policy, the Association of Non-governmental Organisations in Nepal (AIN) and the NGO Federation of Nepal have urged the government to form an autonomous SDC to regulate the I/NGO sector.
“The idea is to have a body of professionals for monitoring and regulating I/NGOs. The suggestions were drafted after a series of discussions,” said Gopal Lamsal, chairperson of the NGO Federation.
They have proposed a PM-led body with Finance, Home, Foreign, Federal Affairs and General Administration ministers and the chief secretary as members and representatives from organisations including the NGO Federation and NGOs related to Dalit, Human Rights, Janajatis, Disabled people and women.
They have proposed an executive director to lead the SDC’s regular activities. It could be expanded to all the seven provinces by forming councils led by the respective provincial social development minister. Lamsal said the modality of the SDC could be decided in consultation with government agencies if they are ready for it. They have also suggested authorising the PMO to register I/NGOs and to regulate them while an Act could be formulated to manage them.
The two bodies suggested that INGOs work in collaboration with civil organisations and receive aid with permission from the SDC while informing the Finance Ministry about it.
According to the suggestions, INGOs should implement their projects in coordination with government agencies or domestic organisations. It also suggests that INGOs working in Nepal cannot receive support from the government, UN agencies, private entrepreneurs, local organisations or donor agencies based in the country.