Blogs
The Governance Blog series aims to spark meaningful dialogue on governance conflicts in Nepal, focusing on issues such as natural resource and environmental disputes, development challenges, political conflicts and ethnocultural tensions. By bringing diverse voices together, the series explores the causes, impacts and potential solutions to these conflicts, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in shaping Nepal’s federal governance. Through expert insights, personal experiences and creative ideas, this platform seeks to drive transformative discussions for better governance and social harmony.
Nepal’s Right to Information Legacy at Local Level
Author: Birat Anupam
”Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” – Former UN Secretary General and the co-recipient of 2001 Nobel Peace Prize, Kofi Annan, has famously said this on strength of information in a society. Nepal has adopted value of Right to Information (RTI) both in constitutional and civilian fronts. In this regard, article 16 of the now defunct 1990 constitution of Nepal gave first constitutional RTI for the first time in South Asia. The article 16 read, ”Every citizen shall have the right to demand and receive information on any matter of public importance; provided that nothing in this Article shall compel any person to provide information of any matter about which secrecy is to be maintained by law.”
Marginalization in Federalism: The Unresolved Identity Crisis of the Madheshi Community
Author: Dikshya Adhikari
Madhesh and its people have long struggled with issues of exclusion and marginalization, dating back to the territorial unification campaign of 1769. Annexed and treated like a colony, Madhesh faced state-sponsored discrimination that profoundly impacted its identity. Specifically, issues such as denial of citizenship, exclusion from political processes, exploitation of natural resources, and cultural repression left the Madheshi people in a condition of statelessness and crisis. The 2007 Madhesi Uprising marked a turning point, thrusting Madheshi identity politics into the national and international spotlight. Despite the promise of federalism to address these ethnic and regional disparities, the identity crisis remains unresolved, as Madheshis continue to feel alienated from the rest of Nepal, living as a community distinct from the national identity.
Join the Conversation: Be a Voice in Transforming Governance Conflicts in Nepal!
Overwhelmed by the interest and contributions to the Governance Blog series, we’re excited to announce the continuation of the series. Share your thoughts, case studies or creative ideas on federalism in Nepal, focusing on conflicts around natural resources, development, politics or ethnocultural issues.
This is your chance to highlight solutions, explore impacts or bring marginalized voices to light. Whether you’re an academic, practitioner, activist or a passionate storyteller, your insights could shape the discourse on governance conflicts in Nepal.
🔗 Submit Your Blog: blog@socialchange.org.np
💡 Explore the Details: Learn More
📅 Deadline: Rolling, but submit before mid-month for next month’s publication.
📢 Let’s drive change together!
