We Are Making Necessary Laws for The Rural Municipality

Shivpuri Rural Municipality, located in the eastern part of Nuwakot district and connected to Sindhupalchok and Kathmandu districts, comprises eight wards. The Rural Municipality is home to various castes and communities, with a significant population of tribal communities. It benefits from the presence of the Madhyapahari highway and Tokha-Chhare road, ensuring transportation accessibility across all wards. However, the main challenge faced by the rural municipality is effectively promoting services and development in areas such as water supply, irrigation, infrastructure, education, and health.

In a conversation between INSEC Nuwakot representative Navdeep Shrestha and Shivpuri Rural Municipality Chairperson, Govinda Prasad Thapalia, the focus on education, health, food rights, and other issues was discussed.

What specific programs is the Rural Municipality currently undertaking in the domains of education, healthcare, and food rights?

Regarding education, the Rural Municipality is committed to making the education provided to children more effective. They are planning to develop a child policy in consultation with experts and are working towards improving education. Additionally, they aim to address health and nutrition issues for children and mothers, as well as enhance income and living standards.

What initiatives or measures are being implemented by the rural municipality with regard to individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and women?

Concerning the disabled, senior citizens, and women, the Rural Municipality is in the process of creating a digital profile specifically focused on disability issues. They plan to simplify the lives of disabled individuals, making them capable and strong. Health institutions in all wards are being assessed to provide services to senior citizens, including distributing medicines for common ailments. The municipality is also actively engaged in campaigns against violence toward women and is increasing women’s participation in local-level plans. Women’s rights and empowerment programs are being conducted in collaboration with organizations like INSEC.

What role does the rural municipality play in upholding and safeguarding human rights within its jurisdiction?

The rural municipality takes the matter of human rights seriously, aiming to comply fully with constitutional provisions and minimize human rights violations. They have observed few complaints of human rights violations within the village and are committed to safeguarding citizens’ human rights. Various initiatives are being implemented, such as child rights programs, women’s rights advocacy, nutrition and health services for mothers and children, food rights, and environmental conservation. The health department plays a vital role in providing necessary check-ups, nutrition, and vaccinations for children and women, starting from pregnancy.

What actions and measures are being taken by the rural municipality to ensure the realization and enjoyment of fundamental rights by its residents?

In terms of fundamental rights, the rural municipality recognizes the importance of these rights for its citizens and is dedicated to their implementation within their available resources. They are actively developing laws and regulations to ensure the provision of citizen rights and efficient service delivery. Discussions with experts are ongoing in this regard.

How is the Rural Municipality actively working towards the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan?

Regarding the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan, the rural municipality is working on formulating necessary laws and policies for the next fiscal year. Their focus areas align with the National Human Rights Action Plan, emphasizing education, health, food rights, housing, social justice, drinking water and sanitation, environmental conservation, human rights education, and empowerment of target groups. They are on the verge of implementing the human rights action plan, emphasizing its importance in their work.