On December 11, 2024, a discussion program was held in Birgunj, Madhesh Province, bringing together elected representatives, legal experts, and civil society leaders. The program aimed to explore the public policy, and civic engagement challenges faced by the people of Madhesh and to identify effective ways for representatives and legislative processes to address local issues.
The law-making and policy formation processes in Madhesh Province face significant challenges, particularly due to a lack of inclusivity and engagement with marginalized communities such as Dalits and Muslims. The provincial government failed to adopt a flexible and inclusive approach, and the lack of support from the federal government has further hindered the creation of subnational legislation.
Some of the key issues that came off the discussion were:
- There is exclusion of marginalized groups, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of laws like the poorly implemented Dalit Empowerment Act.
- Policymaking is driven by political populism and imitation of other governments rather than addressing local needs.
- There is limited expert engagement and public debate, restricting the impact of legislation.
- There is minimal interaction between lawmakers and their constituencies, leaving little room for dissenting voices and feedback.
In the end, there was agreement that addressing these gaps requires empowering elected representatives, fostering inclusive and transparent processes, and ensuring policies reflect the actual needs of the community.
