Kathmandu, Sept 3: The civil society representatives, including journalists and lawyers, have expressed severe concern over government’s indifference to the consultation required in the law and policymaking process.
They argued government ignored essential step- wider consultation with the concerned sides- while preparing a bill on registration and operation of organizations.
At a programme organized jointly by the Non-Government Organization (NGO) Federation and the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) in the federal capital on Wednesday, the speakers viewed the civil society organizations (CSO) could not be controlled but regulated. Controlled operation of organization badly shrinks civic space, they underscored.
“What is the relevance and future of laws that are brought without discussing adequately with the stakeholders,” wondered Arjun Bhattarai, Chair of the NGO Federation, arguing that government needs to realize the role played by CSOs for the establishment of democracy in Nepal.
The CSOs are always together with government, working for the betterment of society, so any provision in the bill curtailing CSO’s rights are unacceptable, he warned.
He, however, said regulation of the CSOs is imperative. Bhattarai asserted that the draft that has the control-oriented provisions is subject to cancellation. “NGO Federation met several political leaders, including the Home Minister and submitted a memorandum. We strongly demand rewriting of the draft bill,” Bhattarai said.
Similarly, FNJ Chairperson Nirmala Sharma viewed the bill needs a rigorous study before it is forwarded to the next level. FNJ contributes to the correction of the draft bill from its side, as it is the organization that works for the protection and promotion of freedom of expression.
Vice Chairman of Nepal Bar Association, Ajay Shankar Jha, suggested the government that it paid heed to the foundation it treaded for initiating the law making process.
Chairman of Association of INGO in Nepal, Dr Shibesh Chandra Regmi, said the State cannot take a move by evading the ways that generates resources for upgrading Nepal to the status of a developed country. “Making registration and operation of CSOs full of hassles is a worrying concern,” he commented.
Former Chairs of FNJ, Shiva Gaunle, Taranath Dahal, and Dr Mahendra Bista, also said the CSOs could enjoy the rights as per the constitution. State’s perspective towards organizations must change. Autonomy of such organization is essential in democracy, they reminded.#nepal #rss
