KATHMANDU: The National Inclusion Commission (NIC) has been unable to accomplish its mandated task as the government has appointed only two commissioners for the eight-member body in the nine months of its formation.

The government formed the commission on February 11, giving it six months to submit a report. Its term was extended by six months two months ago. The NIC has only four months to do its job.

Narasingh Chaudhari of the Sadbhawana Party was appointed the chairman of the commission nine months ago while Kishori Sha of CPN-United was appointed a commissioner one month later. The commission has set up its office in the building housing the Prime Minister’s office.

“I have so far organised two seminars in Banke

and Dhangadhi districts and three meetings at

the office. Two INGOs have agreed to provide their

expert service,” said chairman Chaudhari. “I am

yet to start formal work

due to the lack of commissioners.”

Briefing the performance of the NIC, Chaudhari said SNV-Netherlands Development Organisation had pledged its support for preparing the commission’s report.

An 11-member team of experts, including Dr Krishna Bahadur Bhattachan, will hand NIC the report.

Asked why the commission did not hire experts on its own and relied on an INGO, Chaudhari said, “We are unable to hire experts owing to funds constraint.” The government has allocated Rs 1.2 million for the commission for the extended term.

The commission has been mandated to suggest the government the kind of legal mechanism required to implement the principle of inclusiveness in the country.