Experts Advocate for Ensuring Direct Public Participation in Nepal’s Lawmaking Process
The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs has initiated a digital platform to ensure direct citizen involvement in the lawmaking process, and experts emphasize the need to make this platform more effective. Since last Thursday, the ministry has provided the general public with the opportunity to offer direct feedback or opinions on draft acts and bills through its official website. Experts view the inclusion of public suggestions from the initial draft stage, prior to parliamentary committee discussions and formal presentation to the parliament, as a positive development. However, they caution that without serious study, evaluation, and necessary amendments based on this feedback, the effectiveness of this initiative could be compromised.
A former law secretary expressed concerns that some complex legal topics might not attract public interest, and implementation could be time-consuming. The ministry has arranged to share the received suggestions with the relevant ministries and to keep individuals who provide feedback informed about progress. Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam stressed the necessity of direct public participation in laws that are created for the people and underscored the need to make the lawmaking process citizen-centered.
She explained through social media that laws often become known to the public only after they are enacted, leading to difficulties in implementation, which motivated the launch of this digital initiative. “In some cases, citizens become aware of a law only after its enforcement results in problems due to errors or deficiencies,” she said. On the ministry’s website www.moljpa.gov.np, there is a tab labeled “Click here to give suggestions on acts and bills draft” where citizens can submit their opinions or suggestions.
The ministry has stated that, when suggestions are legitimate, they will inform the concerned ministry, study and discuss the feedback, and notify the contributors if necessary. Former Law Minister Neelambar Acharya indicated that public suggestions could strengthen laws. “It is commendable to inform citizens about laws and seek their input. Perhaps the government aims to gather such suggestions before presenting bills to parliament,” he remarked. National Assembly member and constitutional expert Radheshyam Adhikari also highlighted that incorporating public opinion into the lawmaking process enhances acceptance.
“A dedicated team should be created in the parliament to research the suggestions—understanding how many suggestions are similar, dissimilar, relevant, or irrelevant—before drafting laws,” he advised. Former Law Secretary Madhav Paudel pointed out that not everyone will provide suggestions when public input is requested and that practical complexities persist. “Not everyone will contribute. Because laws are complex, those making suggestions may not fully understand the issues. This may limit the practical benefit in improving bills,” he explained.
