AIN attended
the 37th Social Service Day celebration organized by SWC. Speaking
on the occasion, the Chief Guest of the event Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa
Kamal Dahal stressed on need to make SWC's motto "Atma
Saachi rakhi man vachan ra karma le sewa garau'(Let our Soul be the Witness to the Social Service Work we do from our Heart) true to its
spirit. He remarked that social service is a global trend and the work &
contributions of non-government organizations is commendable. However, he
emphasized that one needs to be accountable and transparent, while reaching the
most needy and marginalized. Nepal is going through a big political change. The
new SWC ACTshould be in line with the new Constitution and meet the requirements
of Regions and Provinces withinthe Federal system.The Prime Minister as the Chair
of SWC stressed on the need of seeking consultation and cooperation of the INGOs and NGOs for the formulation and
effective implementation of the new ACT. INGOs and NGOs are growing in number
but one needs to review its activities to check if they are doing real
socialwork or not. There has been news of some not being accountable and just
doing work for generating income for mnews_iddle class population.
Prime Minister
emphasized that the prime objective of the INGOs and NGOs should be to reach
out to the real needy and the backward community in the most rural areas. Employment
generation should be the secondary objective. INGO and NGO budget should be
effective and properly balanced in terms of being result oriented rather than
just being seen as doing conferences and
launchingreports in big hotels, as generallyperceived.
Nepal Government understands and acknowledges the role of non-government sector
in development but it needs proper management and
supervision.
Remarks from AIN Chair
Chairperson
Dr. Prabin Manandhar was given an opportunity to speak on behalf of AIN. He stressed
on the need of SWC as an autonomous body to become strong and efficient. He
recommended keeping SWC under the PM's office for effective implementation of
one door policy and systematic management of INGO & NGO contributions. He
emphasized on the need of inclusive and equitable development process. Dr.
Prabin remarked that the role of INGOs and NGOs should get proper
acknowledgement for effective distribution of INGO contributions.INGOs are
performing in line with national priorities and strategies.He stated that SWC
should be contributing to debate and discussion on inclusion and federalism on
the basis of equitable development. The new Social Development Act should give
emphasis on the role and contributions of INGOs and NGOs, and SWC's coordinating
roles amongst the INGOs, NGOs and the government ministries.
Remarks from Ministry
Speaking on
the occasion Secretary of Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare Mr
Bishnu Lamsal stated INGOs should focus more on infrastructure development
rather than wasting money on doing conferences at big hotels and food. People
of Nepal are sensible enough to understand and would not take any wrong doings
if done by the non-government organizations. SWC is in the process of
strengthening its internal human and technical resources. They are working on
new policies and gunews_idelines to streamline INGO and Ngo activities.INGOs
spending is more than a Ministry does he remarked.
Remarks from SWC
SWC Member
Secretary Dili Prasad Bhatta and Vice Presnews_ident Nil Mani Baral appreciated the
role played by INGOs and NGOs and thanked AIN for their cooperation and
support.