Kathmandu, April 19

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development has issued a seven-point directive to all district development committees, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, sub-metropolitan cities and municipalities to make the activities of non-governmental organisations public-oriented and transparent.

According to the MoFALD, at a time when the country has witnessed a significant growth in the number of NGOs and their role as development partners has been highlighted more than ever, it is highly necessary to make them accountable and responsible to the local bodies.

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“In order to establish NGOs as key partners in the development process and make their support more effective and result-oriented, a ministerial-level decision of the MoFALD issued the seven-point directive to the local bodies,” said an official of the MoFALD.

As per the directive, it will require the concerned local bodies to involve and mobilise the NGOs in development planning while incorporating their activities in the council of local bodies. The proposed activities of the NGOs shall be implemented only after they are approved by the council.

“The local bodies will not partner with any NGO that fails to get its plans and programmes approved by the council,” informed the official.

Similarly, the local bodies have been directed to ensure representation of NGOs in the Integration Development Formulation Committee.

The local bodies will be obliged to develop and update the profile of all NGOs working in their respective areas besides studying the areas of investment partnership.

The profile will mention the areas and details of amount funded by the concerned NGO.

“The local bodies have also been directed to carry out supervision, monitoring and review of the activities conducted by NGOs, and make public their achievements,” he said.