Following the event on September 30 where Niti Foundation, in collaboration with Justice and Rights Institute (JuRI) Nepal, held a workshop to gather input from civil society for a suggestion paper aimed at guiding the parliamentary review of Nepal’s “Other Commissions”, Niti held a second workshop with the commissions themselves on October 25. The parliamentary review is required by Article 265 of the Constitution. With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the suggestion paper aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and challenges faced by these commissions. Niti conducted a second workshop to gather input from the seven “Other Commissions” [ National Women Commission, National Dalit Commission, National Inclusion Commission, Indigenous Nationalities Commission, Tharu Commission, Muslim Commission and Madhesi Commission] themselves. The workshop saw participation from all seven commissions with either Chairpersons or Members present.
The workshop emphasized the need for a fair, comprehensive, independent review. All commissions highlighted the need for focus on assessment of ways in which they can be further strengthened during the review process. Like the previous workshop where 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 the commissions also agreed on a similar approach. They stressed that the review should focus on strengthening the commissions rather than reducing their scope. Special attention was drawn to how the recommendations currently given by the commissions are also not taken seriously by the State which needs to be addressed during the review process as well. Recommendations included addressing jurisdictional overlaps, clarifying roles, and ensuring that the review process is impartial and free from political interference like suggested by civil society. The workshop provided valuable feedback to shape the suggestion paper and promote a comprehensive, inclusive, and effective parliamentary review.
