Nepal’s Social Welfare Council Under Scrutiny for Restructuring

Nepal’s Social Welfare Council, responsible for overseeing and regulating non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), is under scrutiny for its restructuring. The council has been criticized for its inefficiency, lack of transparency, and alleged irregularities in its operations.

The council was established in 2034 BS (1977 AD) as the Social Service National Coordination Committee, with the aim of coordinating social services and promoting development. However, over the years, it has faced criticism for its poor performance, and the government has decided to restructure it.

A five-member committee, led by Reshu Aryal Dhungana, a member of the National Planning Commission, has been formed to study the council’s restructuring. The committee has been given three months to submit its report, which will recommend whether the council should be abolished, reformed, or retained in its current form.

The council’s current structure has been criticized for being inefficient and prone to irregularities. The government has proposed abolishing the council and replacing it with a department under the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare. However, the council has also formed its own committee to study its restructuring and has proposed three options: retaining the current structure, forming a department, or establishing an authority.

The council’s chairman, who is also the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Welfare, has been criticized for appointing officials based on political affiliations rather than merit. The council’s secretary has also been accused of appointing staff without following proper procedures.

The council has also faced criticism for its handling of funds from international NGOs. The Auditor General’s Office has raised questions about the council’s use of funds and its lack of transparency in its operations.

The government’s decision to restructure the council has been welcomed by many, who see it as an opportunity to reform the organization and make it more efficient and transparent. However, others have expressed concerns that the restructuring process may be used to politicize the council and undermine its independence.