On September 30, Niti Foundation, in collaboration with Justice and Rights Institute (JuRI) Nepal, held a workshop to gather civil society input for a suggestion paper aimed at guiding the parliamentary review of Nepal’s “Other Commissions,” as required by Article 265 of the Constitution. With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the review aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and challenges faced by these commissions. The workshop, attended by 35 civil society members, including activists representing marginalized communities such as Dalits, women, indigenous people, Madheshi, Tharu, and people with disabilities, emphasized the need for a comprehensive, independent, and practical review.
With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the paper aims to guide an informed and effective review process. Civil society participants emphasized the need for individualized assessments of each commission, taking into account budgetary limitations, staffing expertise, and the independence of these bodies. They stressed that the review should focus on strengthening the commissions rather than reducing their scope. Recommendations included addressing jurisdictional overlaps, clarifying roles, and ensuring that the review process is impartial and free from political interference. The workshop provided valuable feedback to shape the suggestion paper and promote a comprehensive, inclusive, and effective parliamentary review.
