KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 22
The commissions established with the aim of protecting and promoting civic rights and ensuring proportional distribution of opportunities failed to deliver as expected.
The majority of participants at a programme titled 'Constitutionalism and the Role of Constitutional Bodies in Democracy' today were of the view that most constitutional bodies required reforms and needed to work more to meet expectations.
'Though the presence of the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Auditor General provided no space to raise questions on their performance, the commissions established after the 2015 constitution are yet to focus on addressing people's aspirations," it is said.
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said EC office bearers had roles and responsibilities on a par with its employees during election time, but during normal time, the situation was different.
He stressed on having in place a mechanism for regular dialogue among commissions, cooperation and sharing of experience.
National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission Chair Balananda Poudel spoke of conflict between rights and power in every area and the efficiency of the commission to address such issues. He complained, that the commission had not yet received agreement in principle to draft its laws and the government was yet to realise the gravity and essence of the commission.
Madhesi Commission Chair Vijay Kumar Dutta said the commission had welcomed three secretaries in two months indicating lack of stability of human resources as obstruction in its functioning. He said the commissions established after the constitution were facing discrimination.
The commission's performance was not as expected for want of budget, said Chair of the Tharu commission Bishnu Chaudhary.
National Assembly member Kamala Panta said the commission had to deliver effective service even with limited budget.
Commission for inclusive and proportional representation should implement effective policies and programmes, advised former Minister Ganesh Sah.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 23, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
