Sahakarmi Samaj has launched a European Union funded project “Enhancing Sub-National Good Governance in Nepal of Karnali Province” amidst a function in Surkhet district on 5 June 2019.

The project being implemented by a consortium led by Sahakarmi Samaj works towards strengthening the capacity of CSOs and citizens to independently play their role in the local governance and development process of Karnali Province. Funded by the European Unionto Enhance Citizens’ Participation in Sub-National Good Governance (Local and Provincial Level) in the Context of the New Federal System in Nepal,the total project budget is Euro 1.1 million for 48 months.  

Jointly envisioned by Sahakarmi Samaj , Dalit Development Society, Center for Dalit women network, IM Swedish Development Partner and Terre deshommes, Project Enhancing Sub-National Good Governance in Nepal of Karnali Province recognizes that public decision-making and subsequent implementation must be participatory, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable and inclusive, assuring that the views of all citizens (notably the most vulnerable and already excluded) are taken into account and local authorities are responsive to the present and future needs of society.

The project will closely engage with the primary beneficiaries: Right holders, CSOs and government institutions and committees in Jajarkot, Kalikot and Salyan of Karnali province to enhance participatory and cooperative relationships between citizens and local governments; by strengthening public governance, accountability, and transparencyincluding  cooperation and dialogue among local governments, between local and provincial governments and ministries to improve overall local service delivery and ensure reflection of local needs in programmes and policies. To address the major identified issues and challenges faced by the targeted beneficiaries; this project will adopt Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA), Facilitation and Empowerment for Social Transformation (FEST), Youth Engagement for Governance, ICT for Good Governance, GESI and Conflict Sensitivity Approach.

Honorable Social Development Minister of Karnali Province, Dala Rawal, officially launched the project and emphasized the role of good governance in building a strong pillar in state building and strengthening of federal system. He said, “This project has brought up and incorporatesthe agendas of government and hopefully, would definitely bring change in the lives of their target groups”. He added the project will surely serve as a catalyst to mobilise all the potential opportunities including elected representatives of newly constructed federal structures to ensure governance at each level and the role of media should be of a watchdog. Finally he welcomed the project and its objectives for enhancing citizens’ participation and bridging the gap between duty bearers and public and well wished for the success of the project, urging on finding out the points of collaboration and coordination.

The launching event held in Birendranagar, Surkhet brought together beneficiaries, civil societymembers, stakeholdersand government and partner agencies working continuously towards ensuring governance at each level.