The Secretary
Ministry of Local Development
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Ref: Attention

We came to know that the planning process for second phase of the Local Governance and Community Development Programme (LGCDP) is taking place after the completion of its first phase. Through this recommendation letter, we would like to draw your attention on following points in order to make this programme further effective and result-oriented.

1.    It seems that the status of various aspects and dimensions of good governance has been relegated to the backburner in the context when local bodies are apparently facing difficulties to deliver public service in the absence of people’s representatives for no local election since long. With this, various problems have emerged not only in the areas of fiscal management, civic engagement in development process, citizens monitoring but also in attaining the anticipated development outcomes through the mobilization of resources.

2.    In order to meet the goals as to increase people’s participation, exact accountability and enhance capacity of the local bodies in the development activities under the LGCDP, there is an effective tool that is Right to Information (RTI). So, the strict abidance and implementation of RTI laws could be a surest tool to bring about improvements in this sector But, so far, the government, programme officials, stakeholders and donor agencies have not shown interest to this end. Despite our repeated efforts to draw the attention of the concerned sides towards the importance of RTI laws, neither responsible person for any programmes nor any donor agency heeded it.

3.    I know that the Secretary is well aware about the relations between the good governance and RTI and its importance. Similarly, it is needless to mention that how effective the RTI is to increase active participation of peoples in the development process/ activities and to control growing corruption in the local level. Moreover, it was not that necessary enough to remind you that the RTI Act enacted in 2007 and its Regulation in 2008 have clearly mentioned that every government body is kept under the public agency and according to which the public agency need to proactively disclose 16 types of information relating to its performances every three month in a routine manner. This mandatory provision cannot be ignored at all. It needs to be implemented.

4.    Therefore, you are requested to take into account the inclusion of the RTI Act in the programmes of the second phase of the LGCDP for the effectiveness in the programmes. Only the internalization and implementation of the RTI laws can strengthen both demand and supply sides of the development and create atmosphere to keep the stakeholders alert to foil corruption efforts. Unless the media and civil alert forums become aware, they cannot function smoothly and promptly for ‘transparency and accountability’.

5.    In order to make Nepal’s mega initiative for development a grand success, we are always ready to extend support with our on-hand experience and knowledge on right to information.
Hope you will consider these suggestions and do the needful to make RTI an integral component of the initiative.

Best Regards,

………………..
Taranath Dahal
Chairperson