Kathmandu, December 2

Nepal’s experience has shown that forces intentionally alienating people from power and resources in different periods have weakened the process of decentralisation, says a government report.

“If the local authority is not strong, the presence of higher-level agencies makes the local institution defunct by concentrating power at a higher level, and exploiting the local resources. On the other hand, a strong local authority can initiate changes in the local development process and can mobilise support of higher-level agencies in facilitating communication between the central and the local system,” said the report “Inclusive Cities: Resilient Communities’ published by the Ministry of Urban Development.

It highlighted that decisions should be taken at the level closest to citizens. Only tasks, which cannot be carried out effectively at the local level, should be referred to higher levels, the report suggested.

“The potential cleavage between private interest and social interest could be reduced through the activities of civil societies. While the objective of mobilising the private sector resources is a welcome step, a strong government action is imperative to guide their activities for the benefit of the poor,” it said.

Improving participation and human rights in urban development It is necessary to decentralise deeper down to the level of people, and make the local political system derive its power from people rather than from the top. This requires good governance and easy access of people to resources and goods and services, according to the report.

It added that access could be increased through capacity building and training. The involvement of ordinary people in the decision-making  process is equally important to prevent channels of public service delivery at the  local level from being controlled by patron client network dominated by the local traditional elites.

“When leaders represent people’s interest, there is less chance of power being abused. What the poor will be given should not be based on charity or favour but their share should fall under the domain of human rights. Teaching the poor to use their rights is the correct strategy. Human rights can only be established through this approach,” it suggested.