Institutionalizing Civic Engagement and Accountability Mechanisms at the Local Level: From Participation to Co-Creation

 

Institutionalizing Civic Engagement and Accountability Mechanisms at the Local Level:

From Participation to Co-Creation

By Dr. Nahakul K.C.[1]

19/04/2026

Nepal’s adoption of federalism has created a significant opportunity to transform local governance. However, a central question persists: how can policies accurately represent the needs and perspectives of citizens? Increasingly, the answer points toward advancing beyond perfunctory participation to adopting co-creation as a core governance approach.

The Importance of Co-Creation

Historically, governance structures in Nepal and worldwide have been predominantly top-down, with policy decisions frequently formulated in isolation from the day-to-day experiences of the populace. While mechanisms such as public hearings and consultations exist, their impact is often constrained in both scope and effectiveness. Co-creation fundamentally alters this paradigm; rather than simply soliciting input from citizens, it establishes a framework for collaborative solution design.

Within Nepal's local governments (पालिकाहरू), co-creation workshops serve as structured forums where:

·       Government officials

·       Civil society organizations

·       Community groups

·       Marginalized communities (Dalit, Women, former Kamiya, Kamllahari, Natuwa, Pasi etc..)

jointly identify challenges and develop solutions. This approach redefines the role of citizens, engaging them as active partners rather than passive beneficiaries.

Defining a Co-Creation Workshop

A co-creation workshop provides a collaborative environment focused on shared problem-solving. It convenes stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to:

·       Identify community-specific issues

·       Examine underlying causes

·       Formulate practical, tailored interventions

Crucially, this process ensures that policies and initiatives are rooted in local contexts rather than generalized assumptions. Given Nepal’s vast geographical, cultural, and socio-economic diversity, such targeted approaches are not merely advantageous—they are imperative.

Strengthening Accountability and Trust

One of the most significant benefits of co-creation is its ability to strengthen accountability and transparency.

When citizens are involved in decision-making:

• They better understand how policies are formed
• They are more likely to monitor implementation
• They hold institutions accountable

At the same time, governments benefit from increased public trust.

Trust is not built through announcements—it is built through engagement and shared ownership.

Co-creation workshops also enhance the effectiveness of existing accountability tools such as:

• Social audits
• Public hearings
• Citizen feedback mechanisms

How Co-Creation Workshops Work?

A well-designed co-creation workshop typically unfolds in three phases:

1. Preparation: Setting the Foundation

The success of a workshop depends heavily on preparation. This includes:

• Identifying key stakeholders (local government, CSOs, citizen groups)
• Defining clear objectives and themes
• Ensuring inclusive participation—especially of women, Dalits, youth, and marginalized communities

In Nepal, inclusion is not just a value, it is a constitutional commitment. Co-creation workshops must reflect that.

2. Implementation: From Problems to Priorities

During the workshop, participants engage in structured discussions to:

• Map key problems (using tools like problem trees)
• Review existing laws, policies, and practices
• Share experiences and perspectives

Through group discussions and facilitated dialogue, participants move toward:

• Identifying root causes
• Exploring possible solutions
• Prioritizing the most critical issues

The process is as important as the outcome. It fosters mutual understanding and respect among stakeholders.

3. Action and Follow-Up: Turning Ideas into Reality

A workshop without follow-up is just a conversation.

Co-creation emphasizes action-oriented outcomes, including:

• Jointly developed action plans
• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Monitoring and feedback systems

In Nepal, programs like the Provincial and Local Governance Support Programme (PLGSP) have played a key role in supporting such processes, ensuring that ideas translate into implementation.

Case Study 1: Strengthening Service Delivery in a Rural Municipality

In a rural municipality in Karnali Province, citizens frequently complained about delays in accessing basic services such as citizenship certificates and social security allowances.

A co-creation workshop brought together:

• Local government officials, Ward representatives, Women’s groups and Youth clubs

Through participatory problem analysis, the group identified key bottlenecks:

• Lack of clear information for citizens, Limited staff capacity and Weak coordination between wards and municipal offices

Together, they designed practical solutions:

• Establishing a citizen help desk at the municipal office, Publishing a service delivery timeline chart and Introducing a simple feedback register system

Within six months, service delivery time improved significantly, and citizen complaints decreased.

The key lesson: solutions were effective because they were locally designed and jointly owned.

Case Study 2: Enhancing Social Accountability in Bagmati Province

In a municipality in Bagmati Province, social audits were conducted regularly but had limited impact. Citizens attended meetings, but their feedback rarely translated into action.

A co-creation workshop was organized to address this gap where participants included:

• Municipal officials
• Civil society organizations
• Representatives from marginalized communities

Through discussion, they discovered that:

• Social audits lacked follow-up mechanisms
• Citizens were unclear about how their feedback would be used

The group co-created a new approach:

• Linking social audit findings directly to annual planning processes
• Assigning responsibility for follow-up actions
• Creating a public tracking system for commitments

As a result, social audits became more meaningful, and citizens began to see tangible outcomes from their participation.

Co-Creation as a Governance Philosophy

Co-creation is a shift in mindset, not just a tool. Governments must share power, promote transparency, and respect citizen input. Citizens should engage constructively and take joint responsibility.

In Nepal’s changing governance, this approach is timely and needed.

4. Challenges and the Way Forward

Co-creation faces hurdles like ensuring real inclusion, managing varied interests, and keeping engagement ongoing. It needs to become part of institutional processes—integrated into planning, budgeting, local facilitator training, and improved monitoring systems.

5. Conclusion: Governance with People

Nepal’s future governance relies on shifting from consultation to collaboration, and participation to co-creation. Involving citizens in solution design makes policies more relevant, effective, and legitimate. Co-creation workshops are a practical step forward. The focus now is not whether to involve citizens, but how deeply to engage them. Sustainable governance is built with people, not just for them.

[1] Mr. Nahakul K.C. serves as Planning and Governance Expert in the federal structure.

Policy Dialogue on Local Economics and Investments: Status and Possibilities

 

Policy Dialogue on Local Economics and Investments: Status and Possibilities

Dr. Nahakul K.C. former Vice Chairman of Planning Commission and Expert

(This paper was shared during the policy dialogues which was organized by the Lumbini Province Planning Commission on 14th Mangsir 2082)

1. Opening 

Honorable Chair, dignitaries, Secretary, former Mayor, representatives of private sector, and development partners—
Today’s policy dialogue allows us to reflect on the current economic status of Lumbini Province and explore practical pathways to expand local investment, generate jobs, and strengthen our economic foundations.

2. Current Status of Lumbini Province Economy

• Lumbini’s economy is gradually progressing, but growth remains irregular across sectors.
• Youth out-migration is still high despite the unemployment rate improving to around 8%.
• Infrastructure expansion is notable, yet project execution and absorption capacity remain challenges.
• Private sector enthusiasm is rising, especially in tourism, agriculture, and services—but capital inflow remains lower than the province’s potential.

3. Key Policy Priorities of the 2082/83 Budget

a) Growth and Production

• Strong push for agriculture modernization, value-chain development, and branding of local products.
• NPR 1.50 billion allocated for agriculture and land management.

b) Investment and Private Sector Promotion

• Startup ecosystem, innovation culture, and investor-friendly policies strengthened.
• Growing emphasis on tourism infrastructure and heritage sites with NPR 80 crores investment.

c) Youth Employment and Human Capital

• Gen-Z entrepreneurship program, skill development, internships, and returnee migrant reintegration.
• Practical, skill-based education promoted through “Padhdai, Sikdai, Kamaudai” initiatives.

4. Emerging Opportunities for Local Economic Growth

4.1. Agricultural Transformation

• Mechanization, contract farming, agro-cooperatives, and youth-led agribusiness.

4.2. Tourism and Cultural Economy

• Leveraging Lumbini’s global religious tourism brand, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cross-border mobility.

4.3. Infrastructure-Led Development

• Expanding connectivity in hills, plains, and Rapti Valley to support economic corridors.

4.4. Digital Economy & Gig-Based Employment (New – Key Addition)

• A fast-growing opportunity for youth to earn within Nepal without migrating.
• Areas such as freelancing, digital marketing, online services, content creation, e-commerce, and remote tech work are expanding rapidly.
• Lumbini can promote digital skills training, innovation labs, and youth gig work platforms to tap into global online markets.
• With improved internet access and targeted digital literacy programmes, the digital economy can become a major new source of youth employment.

4. 5. Private Sector Engagement

• Stronger public–private cooperation can unlock enterprise growth, startup accelerators, and co-investment in priority sectors.

6. Major Challenges That Must Be Addressed

a) Weak Implementation Capacity

• Delays in procurement, slow project execution, and low budget absorption.

b) Limited Fiscal Space

• Reliance on federal grants restricts scale and sustainability of programs.

c) Skill Gaps & Out-Migration

• Local industries face labor shortages while youth leave for foreign employment.

d) Digital Divide

• Unequal access to quality internet and digital training limits youth participation in the digital economy.

7. Immediate Priorities for Action

1. Fast-track high-impact projects in agriculture, tourism, youth skills, and infrastructure.
2. Establish a Provincial Investment Facilitation Desk for one-stop investor support.
3. Expand digital skills, freelancing training, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship.
4. Strengthen returnee migrant support through credit linkages and enterprise mentoring.
5. Improve monitoring systems to track job creation, enterprise success, and project outcomes.

8. Closing

Lumbini Province holds immense potential across agriculture, tourism, industry, digital services, and youth innovation. By improving implementation, strengthening partnerships, and investing in both physical and digital infrastructure, we can unlock a more dynamic, inclusive, and youth-friendly provincial economy.

Today’s dialogue is an important step toward converting policy commitments into real jobs, real investment, and real prosperity for the people of Lumbini.

Thank you.

 

 

थारु राजा दगींशरण सुकौराकोटको सभ्यता विकास र निर्माण सम्बन्धमा

 

थारु राजा दगींशरण सुकौराकोटको सभ्यता विकास र निर्माण सम्बन्धमा छलफल कार्यक्रम ।

डा. नहकुल के. सी.

९८५७८२०६३३

थारु कल्याणकारी सभा र तुल्सीपुर उध्योग वाणिज्य संघ द्वारा मिति २०८२ /०४/०६ मा आयोजित कार्यक्रममा व्यक्त विचार ; “सुकौरालाई थारु राजाको सग्राहलय र सभ्यता झल्कने गरि बिकाश गर्न जरुरि छ” डाक्टर नहकुल केसि (पुर्ब उपाध्यक्ष योजना आयोग लुम्बिनि प्रदेश)

 १. दंगीसरण राजा र ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

दंगीसरण राजा दाङ उपत्यकामा बसोबास गर्ने थारू समुदायका राजा थिए। उनी दाङ उपत्यकाका शासकहरू मध्ये एक प्रमुख राजा मानिन्छन्, जसले थारू जातिको सांस्कृतिक, सामाजिक, र राजनीतिक पहिचान निर्माणमा ठूलो योगदान दिएका थिए।

• बर्की मार र महाभारतमा उल्लेख भयको छ | दंगीसरण दरबार (वर्तमानमा भग्नावशेष मात्र बाँकी) तुलसीपुर उपमहानगरपालिका ११ न. वडा  क्षेत्रभित्र पर्छ।|
• दंगीसरण र थारू समुदायको इतिहास मौखिक परम्परा र लोककथामार्फत जगेर्ना हुँदै आएको छ।
• केही प्रमाणहरू अनुसार यो स्थल सिद्ध राजाहरूको ऐतिहासिक शासकीय केन्द्र हो भन्ने विश्वास गरिन्छ।
• यक पक्ष अध्ययनले थारु राजा नै थियनन भन्ने धारणा पनि पाइएको छ जुन कुरा थप अध्ययनको जरुरी विषय बनाइनु पर्दछ
• मेरो विचारमा यो मानवशास्त्रीय र पुरातत्वको अध्यनको विषय हुनु पर्द्छ |

 २. ऐतिहासिक स्थलको संरक्षण र विकासका उपायहरू

 संरक्षण कार्यहरू

• दंगीसरण दरबारको ऐतिहासिक अनुसन्धान गरिनु पर्छ (पुरातात्विक अध्ययन, नक्सांकन, माटो र संरचना परीक्षण आदि)।
• अवशेष संरक्षणका लागि स्थानीय संरक्षण समिति गठन गर्नु।
• बाउण्ड्री वाल, सूचनापाटी, प्रवेशद्वार निर्माण गर्नु।

 प्रवर्द्धन र प्रचार

• सांस्कृतिक संग्रहालय स्थापना, जहाँ थारू समुदायका जीवनशैली, अस्त्रशस्त्र, वस्त्र, औजार, परम्परा आदिको प्रदर्शन होस्।
• थारू महोत्सव, लोक नाच/गान, भोजन प्रदर्शनी आयोजना गर्नु, जसले सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन प्रवर्द्धन गर्छ।

 पर्यटन पूर्वाधार विकास

• सडक, बिजुली, खानेपानी, पार्किङ, शौचालय, साइनबोर्ड जस्ता पूर्वाधार विकास गर्नु।
• स्थानीय गाइड तालिम, होमस्टे प्रवर्द्धन, र स्थानीय उत्पादनको बिक्री काउण्टर स्थापना।

 ३. स्थानीय, प्रदेश सरकार र आदिवासी जनजातिको भूमिका

 स्थानीय सरकार (नगरपालिका/गाउँपालिका)

• ऐतिहासिक स्थलको संरक्षणलाई विकास योजना बनाई गुरु योजनामा समावेश गर्नु।
• बजेट विनियोजन र स्थायी कर्मचारी तोक्ने व्यवस्था।
• स्थानीय समुदायलाई संलग्न गर्दै योजना बनाउने र कार्यान्वयन गर्ने।

 प्रदेश सरकार (लुम्बिनी प्रदेश)

• सुकौरा बिकाश परिषद्को स्थापना गर्नु पर्दछ |
• दंगीसरण दरबारलाई प्रदेशस्तरीय सम्पदा सूचीमा सूचीकृत गर्नु।
• संविधानतः प्रदेश पर्यटन नीति अन्तर्गत यस क्षेत्रलाई प्राथमिकता दिनु।
• अनुसन्धान तथा संरक्षण कार्यका लागि बजेट सहयोग गर्नु।

थारू/आदिवासी जनजाति समुदाय

• मौखिक इतिहास, थर-वंशावली, परम्परा अभिलेख संकलन।
• संरक्षण समितिमा नेतृत्वदायी भूमिका।
• नयाँ पुस्तामा सांस्कृतिक चेतना जागरण।

निजी क्षेत्रको नेतृत्वदायी सहभागिता

• सह लगानीको सभ्नाहरुको खोजी तथा लगानी
• प्रचार प्रसार  र बजारी करण

 ४. कार्यान्वयन रणनीति

	कदम गतिविधि जिम्मेवार निकाय १ क्षेत्रको ऐतिहासिक/पुरातात्विक अध्ययन प्रदेश सरकार, विश्वविद्यालय, पुरातत्व विभाग २ संरक्षण योजना निर्माण स्थानीय सरकार + थारू प्रतिनिधि ३ पूर्वाधार विकास नगर/गाउँपालिका, प्रदेश सरकार ४ प्रचार-प्रसार (डकुमेन्ट्री, लेख, संकेतपाटी) संस्कृति मन्त्रालय, पत्रकार, स्थानीय क्लब ५ थारू समुदायसँग नियमित परामर्श थारू कल्याण समिति, आदिवासी महासंघ  ५. सुझावहरू दंगीसरण राजाका वारेमा र यसको ऐतिहासीक महत्वका वारेमा स्थानीय पाठ्यक्रममा समावेश गराउने। Youth Volunteers for Heritage जस्ता अभियान संचालन गर्नु। UNESCO वा नेपाल सरकारको सांस्कृतिक सम्पदा संरक्षण कोष बाट सहयोग माग्नु।

कदम	गतिविधि	जिम्मेवार निकाय
१	क्षेत्रको ऐतिहासिक/पुरातात्विक अध्ययन	प्रदेश सरकार, विश्वविद्यालय, पुरातत्व विभाग
२	संरक्षण योजना निर्माण	स्थानीय सरकार + थारू प्रतिनिधि
३	पूर्वाधार विकास	नगर/गाउँपालिका, प्रदेश सरकार
४	प्रचार-प्रसार (डकुमेन्ट्री, लेख, संकेतपाटी)	संस्कृति मन्त्रालय, पत्रकार, स्थानीय क्लब
५	थारू समुदायसँग नियमित परामर्श	थारू कल्याण समिति, आदिवासी महासंघ

 ५. सुझावहरू

• दंगीसरण राजाका वारेमा र यसको ऐतिहासीक महत्वका वारेमा स्थानीय पाठ्यक्रममा समावेश गराउने।
• Youth Volunteers for Heritage जस्ता अभियान संचालन गर्नु।
• UNESCO वा नेपाल सरकारको सांस्कृतिक सम्पदा संरक्षण कोष बाट सहयोग माग्नु।

संक्षिप्त प्रवचन: आत्मज्ञान र मानव एकताको प्रकाश सम्बन्धमा ।

आदरणीय सतगुरु माता सुदीक्षा जी महाराज, हेम राज शर्मा ज्यू , निर्कारी मण्डलका आदरणीय पदाधिकारीज्यूहरू,  तथा उपस्थित श्रद्धालु महानुभावहरू,

जय निरंकार।

म डा. नहकुल के.सी., लुम्बिनी प्रदेशको विकास योजना आयोगको, सामाजिक समावेशीकरण र गरिबी निवारणका क्षेत्रमा कार्यरत एक साधकको हैसियतले आज यहाँ बोल्ने अवसर पाउँदा आफूलाई अत्यन्त सौभाग्यशाली ठान्दछु।

हामी प्रायः नीति, योजना, र विकासका कुरा धेरै गर्छौँ। तर म आज एकदमै स्पष्ट ढंगले भन्न चाहन्छु — साँचो विकास आत्मा नबदली हुँदैन। जबसम्म व्यक्ति भित्रबाट परिवर्तन हुँदैन, तबसम्म समाजमा स्थायी परिवर्तन सम्भव हुँदैन।

यही आत्मिक परिवर्तनको मूल मन्त्र हो – निर्कारी सन्देश।

निर्कारी मण्डलले हामीलाई सम्झाउँछ —

“धर्मभन्दा माथि मानवता हो, र सबै धर्मको सार आत्मज्ञानमा निहित छ।”

ईश्वरलाई बाहिरी स्वरूपमा होइन, सतगुरुको ज्ञानबाट अनुभूति गर्नुपर्छ।

आज लुम्बिनी प्रदेश, जुन बुद्धको जन्मस्थल हो, शान्ति र करुणाको प्रतीक हो — यस पवित्र भूमिमा निर्कारी विचारहरूले सामाजिक सद्भाव, सेवा र आध्यात्मिक चेतनालाई उजागर गर्दै अति महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका खेल्दै आएको छ।

निर्कारी मण्डलले व्यक्तिको भित्रि चेतनालाई उज्यालो बनाउने काम गर्छ — जसबाट परिवार, समाज र देश नै उज्यालो बन्छ।

यसर्थ, म यस मञ्चबाट सबैमा आग्रह गर्न चाहन्छु —

हामी केवल योजनामा होइन, मूल्य र आत्मज्ञानमा आधारित समाज बनाऔँ।

हामी सबै मिलेर सेवा, समर्पण र सद्भावको यात्रामा सहयात्री बनौँ रजुटौं भन्ने आह्वान गर्दछु । 

धन निरंकार जी ।

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