Niti Foundation

04/08/2025

A dialogue on 'Considering alternate pathways to strengthen climate governance in Nepal' was held at Niti Foundation on the 28th of July, 2025 - where climate, environment, legal and governance experts discussed overall issues regarding hybrid governance models, community approaches, resource diversification and long-term policy making on climate governance in Nepal.

Social vulnerability indicators, local & indigenous knowledge systems and geophysical data were suggested to be integrated in the hybrid governance. Identifying youth as vital part of climate governance and not just future leaders and need to reframing climate finance from loans and grants to compensation was emphasized. Conflicting mandates and budget lines among the three tiers of government was highlighted as key gaps in governance while establishing climate governance taskforce, introducing multi-year adaptation pathways for highly exposed regions and institutionalizing youth advisory bodies were also proposed.

The discussion concluded with a summarization on strengthening community-led governance models, diversifying funding sources, reforming governance structures and promoting equity-based climate governance in Nepal.

04/08/2025

On July 14, 2025, Niti Foundation convened a policy discussion in Kathmandu under its Niti Policy Circle platform, focused on the draft Nepal Police Bill 2082, currently under parliamentary review. The session brought together lawmakers, former high-ranking police officials, legal experts, and human rights advocates to examine the bill’s alignment with Nepal’s constitutional provisions and its implications for national security, police governance, and democratic policing,

Key discussions centered on the chain of command between the Nepal Police and Chief District Officers (CDOSs), concerns around civilian oversight, and the need for a federal police act that reflects the principles of functional autonomy and accountability. Speakers emphasized that operational command should rest with the police—not district administrators—while the Ministry of Home Affairs retains supervisory authority. Human rights experts even mentioned that this is a “historical opportunity” to introduce a rights-based, democratic, and autonomous police system.

Lawmakers raised pressing questions regarding border security, overlapping mandates with the Armed Police Force, technology gaps and the lack of mental health provisions in the draft bill. Former police leaders stressed the urgency of restructuring and ensuring professionalism within the force. The event concluded with broad agreement on the need for clarity in roles, a rights-based policing model, and reforms that are structural.

02/06/2025

Dr. Narayan Baskota from Niti writes about the political economy of budget allocation in Nepal.
You can read the article here -> https://www.himalkhabar.com/144447/budgetary_pratice

You can find details of analysis of their budget allocation in different areas of the classification of functions of the government (CoFoG), the recent approach developed to assess the government resource utilisation and its impact, here -> https://nitifoundation.org/resource/practice-and-politics-of-budget-allocation-in-nepal/

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This presentation illustrates the priority set by the eight finance ministers of Nepal from FY 2069/70 to FY 2081/82 through analysis of their budget allocation in different areas of the classification of functions of the government (CoFoG), the recent approach developed to assess the government res...

28/03/2025

On the 26th of March, a Regional Roundtable on Urban Governance and Development was organized by Niti in collaboration with the Cities Institute at the UNSW Institute for Global Development, Australia, with national and international stakeholders.

The roundtable was chaired by Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh. The minister encouraged such regional dialogue highlighting common concerns of Kathmandu with other South Asian cities like those of clean rivers, clean air, disaster preparedness and heritage conservation.

The discussion focused on two themes of how urban governance can drive economic growth in the capital and coordination between government tiers for inclusive and sustainable urban development.

For the first thematic discussion, need for private investment in rapidly urbanizing areas like Kathmandu, more holistic approach to urban governance, ecological balance, focus on infrastructure as well as spatial planning, unemployment concerns of youth, study of internal migration patterns, connectivity for Nepali markets, indirect impact of high land prices on intangible cultural heritage as well as impact of criminal activities, poverty, and unemployment on the urban economy were highlighted by the national stakeholders during their participation. In additional, international stakeholders emphasized on regional approach to economic growth rather than a one-city approach through various examples, as such from India, including those of climate action plans and shared services.

The second thematic discussion focused on shifting from traditional hierarchical coordination to working in the area of Joint Service Arrangements for urban governance in a federal Nepal, highlighting insufficient resources and capacity at the local level, issues of duplication of roles of three tiers of the government, and need for functional provincial government and urban policies for workforce and laborers. Perspectives on collaboration and approach to governance were also drawn attention to by international stakeholder regarding this.

The regional roundtable concluded with a stress on human element and identities as cities informed by culture as well as the importance of connectivity to nature and enriching connections, especially on a regional level as such of South Asia.

16/12/2024

On December 6, 2024, Niti Foundation hosted a workshop in Nepalgunj, Lumbini Province, to address the prevalence of sickle cell anemia among the Tharu community. The event, titled “Coordination and Integrated Efforts for Addressing Sickle Cell Anemia,” was a part of Niti Foundation’s ongoing efforts to enhance the presence and work of constitutional bodies at the sub-national level, as provisioned by Nepal’s constitution.

The workshop aimed to convoke key stakeholders to explore policy interventions for tackling this widespread health issue among the Tharu population. Participants unanimously emphasized the need to formally recognize sickle cell anaemia as a public health issue. Despite efforts to combat the disease, the sporadic nature of initiatives by various stakeholders highlighted an urgent need for coordinated action across the three tiers of government. Discussions also extended beyond treatment and prevention, focusing on the long-term sustenance and survival of patients living with the condition.

The event brought together representatives from key state institutions such as the Tharu Commission and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, all levels of government, senior medical professionals, organizations supporting sickle cell anaemia patients, and the patients themselves. This diverse participation underscored the importance of a united and collaborative approach to addressing this pressing health challenge.

25/11/2024

On November 22nd, 2024, as part of workshop series on Political Instability, a discussion session was organized by Niti Foundation on " Political Instability and Constitutional Amendments in relation to Proportional Representation Electoral System", where political leaders, law-makers and constitutionalism expert discussed the overall issues revolving around the PR electoral system in Nepal.

During the session, it was well established that there is no causal link between proportional representation electoral system - a provision of 2015 Constitution - and political instability, and that blaming PR system for unstable government is regressive and a mere distorted narrative. In fact, majority agreed that the PR system has been misused. Nepal's political culture was claimed to be at fault.

While alternative electoral systems were proposed, the discussion concluded with suggestions on further discussions on how to best implement the PR electoral system as the issue of underrepresentation of the historically marginalised in Nepal still prevails.

25/11/2024

Niti Foundation held a discussion workshop on "Exploratory study on practices of Joint Service Arrangements between local governments" on the 21st of November, 2024. This study initiated by Niti is based on the provision under the Section 26 of the Local Government Operation Act (LGOA), 2017 that allows local governments (LGs) to develop partnerships or joint actions to attain common objectives. The purpose of the workshop was to engage concerned stakeholders in discussion before the findings are published.

A total of 20 JSA cases were studied in six provinces except Gandaki. The study's initial conclusion shows that JSA remains an untapped opportunity for local governments, especially those with large populations. It also states that it is essential to incorporate social accountability measures for successful adoption.

स्थानीय तहमा प्रत्यक्ष जनसहभागिता भएर गरेका कामहरूको नतिजा राम्रो आएको एक प्रारम्भिक अध्ययनले देखाएको छ ।

29/10/2024

In a recent event organized by Niti at Rupandehi, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chetnarayan Acharya, requests for review of the distribution of revenue and royalty to strengthen fiscal federalism at the provincial level

रुपन्देही । लुम्बिनी प्रदेशका मुख्यमन्त्री चेतनारायण आचार्यले प्रदेश तहलाई वित्तीय क्षेत्रमा बलियो बनाउन राज.....

28/10/2024

Following the event on September 30 where Niti Foundation, in collaboration with Justice and Rights Institute (JuRI) Nepal, held a workshop to gather input from civil society for a suggestion paper aimed at guiding the parliamentary review of Nepal’s “Other Commissions”, Niti held a second workshop with the commissions themselves on October 25. The parliamentary review is required by Article 265 of the Constitution. With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the suggestion paper aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and challenges faced by these commissions. Niti conducted a second workshop to gather input from the seven “Other Commissions” [ National Women Commission, National Dalit Commission, National Inclusion Commission, Indigenous Nationalities Commission, Tharu Commission, Muslim Commission and Madhesi Commission] themselves. The workshop saw participation from all seven commissions with either Chairpersons or Members present.

The workshop emphasized the need for a fair, comprehensive, independent review. All commissions highlighted the need for focus on assessment of ways in which they can be further strengthened during the review process. Like the previous workshop where civil society participants emphasized the need for individualized assessments of each commission, taking into account budgetary limitations, staffing expertise, and the independence of these bodies the commissions also agreed on a similar approach. They stressed that the review should focus on strengthening the commissions rather than reducing their scope. Special attention was drawn to how the recommendations currently given by the commissions are also not taken seriously by the State which needs to be addressed during the review process as well. Recommendations included addressing jurisdictional overlaps, clarifying roles, and ensuring that the review process is impartial and free from political interference like suggested by civil society. The workshop provided valuable feedback to shape the suggestion paper and promote a comprehensive, inclusive, and effective parliamentary review.

21/10/2024

03/10/2024

Framework for Other Commissions Parliamentary Review: Workshop on Draft Suggestion Paper

On September 30, Niti Foundation, in collaboration with Justice and Rights Institute (JuRI) Nepal, held a workshop to gather civil society input for a suggestion paper aimed at guiding the parliamentary review of Nepal’s "Other Commissions," as required by Article 265 of the Constitution. With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the review aims to assess the relevance, effectiveness, and challenges faced by these commissions. The workshop, attended by 35 civil society members, including activists representing marginalized communities such as Dalits, women, indigenous people, Madheshi, Tharu, and people with disabilities, emphasized the need for a comprehensive, independent, and practical review.

With the ten-year mark of the Constitution’s promulgation approaching, the paper aims to guide an informed and effective review process. Civil society participants emphasized the need for individualized assessments of each commission, taking into account budgetary limitations, staffing expertise, and the independence of these bodies. They stressed that the review should focus on strengthening the commissions rather than reducing their scope. Recommendations included addressing jurisdictional overlaps, clarifying roles, and ensuring that the review process is impartial and free from political interference. The workshop provided valuable feedback to shape the suggestion paper and promote a comprehensive, inclusive, and effective parliamentary review.

03/10/2024

A “Dialogue on Potential Alternatives on Public Procurement Laws in Nepal” was organized by Niti Foundation on the 13th of September, 2024. The Health Minister of Nepal, parliamentarians and experts participated in discussing issues regarding public procurement in Nepal, including value for money and integrity in using public funds; transparency and impartiality in procurement procedures and decision; assurance of competition in the public tax usage; and accountability of concerned departments and officials in public procurement.

Major discussion points revolved around how public procurement procedures are vulnerable to corruption, the issue of non-performance brought upon by complexity of laws concerning public procurement and the need for the relevant laws to be more general and concise in order to avoid complications in implementation that may take form of perpetration.

This initiative for discussion on the intricacies of public procurement and related laws in Nepal was acclaimed by the participants stating that commencing this dialogue is imperative.