Good Governance-Talk Show

SOCH Nepal organized a talk show entitled “Good Governance” at SOCH Nepal’s office on 10^thDecember, 2016. The talk show was organized on the occasion of International World Human Rights Day. Youth from different colleges attended the event. The total number of participants was 25. The program was facilitated by Mr. Rajesh Hamal, Director of Swiss Embassy Human Rights Department.

Mr. Hamal highlighted on the literacy of economy and budget in Nepal. He stressed on making general people literate about the budget for establishment of transparency.  He emphasized on economic information to the people along with budgeting and monitoring. He stated that people should be aware about the tax being paid by them and the budget planning of infrastructure. Further he added that after the planning it should be strictly monitored in order to know whether the work has been completed in proper way or not. Furthermore he stated that in order to bring change, strict monitoring should be done. Mr. Hamal conveyed the participants that budget tracking would be the best possible solution in order to maintain transparency. Budget tracking included of budget being used and its proper monitoring. Furthermore he added that planning should be done from the settlement level or the lower level. This would help to bring about the positive changes. Mr. Hamal presents what is the main characteristic of good Governance and importance of good governance:

Good governance is accountable:

Accountability is a fundamental requirement of good governance. Local government has an obligation to report, explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions it has made on behalf of the community it represents.

Good governance is transparent:

People should be able to follow and understand the decision-making process. This means that they will be able to clearly see how and why a decision was made – what information, advice and consultation council considered, and which legislative requirements (when relevant) council followed.

Good governance follows the rule of law:

This means that decisions are consistent with relevant legislation or common law and are within the powers of council. In the case of Victorian local government, relevant legislation includes the Local Government Act 1989 and other legislation such as the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Good governance is responsive:

Local government should always try to serve the needs of the entire community while balancing competing interests in a timely, appropriate and responsive manner.

Good governance is equitable and inclusive:

A community’s wellbeing results from all of its members feeling their interests have been considered by council in the decision-making process. This means that all groups, particularly the most vulnerable, should have opportunities to participate in the process.

 Good governance is effective and efficient:

Local government should implement decisions and follow processes that make the best use of the available people, resources and time to ensure the best possible results for their community.

Good governance is participatory:

Anyone affected by or interested in a decision should have the opportunity to participate in the process for making that decision. This can happen in several ways – community members may be provided with information, asked for their opinion, given the opportunity to make recommendations or, in some cases, be part of the actual decision-making process.

Mr. Hamal said good governance is important because it promotes community confidence. People are more likely to have confidence in their local government if decisions are made in transparent. It also leads to better decisions, helps local government meet its legislative responsibilities and importantly provides an ethical basis for governance.

It was delightful to see the enthusiastic participation of students from different colleges. The participants also raised questions during the interaction session. After the interaction session, the event was ended with refreshment.