NGO Federation calls for civil society-friendly laws and reforms

Kathmandu . The NGO Federation of Nepal has emphasized the need for policies, laws, and structures that protect and promote the civic rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, rather than merely regulating them.

Presenting a joint position paper prepared collectively by over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday, the Federation called for enabling legal and policy environment conducive to strengthening the role of CSOs that align with democracy, social justice, human rights, and development.

The paper advocates for significant reforms, including removing the Act related to CSOs from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and simplifying the CSO registration and renewal processes. The Federation has proposed these procedures be made transparent and integrated, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Additionally, the Federation has called for the formation of an independent and representative Social Development Board to support the functioning of CSOs. It has urged the government to recognize CSOs as non-profit entities and to provide tax exemptions on grants and self-generated income. It also pushed for transparent utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds at the community level.

Delivering the paper, President of NGO Federation Arjun Bhattarai stressed the need for the State to treat CSOs as development partners. He called on the government to enact supportive laws aligned with the Constitution and international treaties. The Federation underscored that legal and policy reforms are essential at all levels of government to ensure a strong, autonomous, and dignified role for civil society in Nepal’s democratic development.