After the country underwent governmental restructuring, currently, there are three tiers of government. The primary responsibility of “implementing central government policies at the grassroots level” lies with the local government. The local government operates based on the Local Government Operation Act, 2017, enacted on 22 September 2017. The local government are functioning as per the provision mentioned in Schedule 8 of the Constitution, which mentions the exclusive authority of the municipalities.
Out of the eight local levels in Okhaldhunga, Siddhicharan Municipality is the only municipality located in the district headquarters. According to the National Census 2021, the population of this municipality is 27,351. The literacy rate of this municipality is 76.2 percent. The following is an excerpt from the interview conducted with Deputy Mayor Kedar Babu Basnet and Insec Representative Saraswati Baniya
What is the situation of human rights in the municipality of Siddhicharan ?
When looking back at Okhaldhunga, there used to be numerous incidents of human rights violations. Siddhicharan Municipality also faced similar challenges. However, there have been some improvements in the recent past regarding human rights concerns. Initiatives have been taken by representatives, security forces, inspectors, and various organizations to raise awareness, particularly regarding the issues of women and children. There has been significant progress in addressing issues such as discrimination and abuse.
Have meaningful efforts been made in your opinion to improve the field of human rights?
Certainly. Due to the efforts made by local authorities and governmental bodies, citizens are now more aware of human rights. There has been a development in the consciousness of the citizens that one should not suffer the issues of violence, discrimination, and abuse in silence. This has led to a heightened awareness of their rights and the need to advocate for them through relevant channels. This observation indicates a development in the situation of human rights
What plans has the municipality made for the protection, promotion, and development of human rights?
To ensure that citizens are not deprived of their human rights, various programs have been implemented by the municipality to uplift marginalized groups such as women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, Dalits, the impoverished, and single women. These programs aim to raise social awareness, promote participation in self-employment programs, strengthen economic conditions, and ensure easy access to justice for the victims.
What initiatives and actions has the municipality taken to reduce violence against women?
We are actively engaged in raising awareness specifically for the mitigation of violence against women. Campaigns against violence perpetrated by men towards women and violence occurring among women are being conducted, including initiatives and discussions against gender-based violence. As these programs continue, there has been a significant increase in efforts toward reducing violence against women. Awareness programs empower women affected by violence to raise their voices for justice.
Local governments have the right to develop and implement local curriculum for education. What efforts has the municipality made in this regard?
Siddhicharan Municipality has prepared local curricula incorporating local geography, environment, language, culture, and local issues. These curricula will be implemented from the upcoming academic sessions. We are committed to ensuring the right to education for children.
Are citizens within the municipality deprived of the right to housing, or not?
So far, no such complaints have arisen. However, efforts are being made to investigate whether any citizens are deprived of the right to housing. In such cases, both local organizations and the provincial government have conducted various programs. The municipality cooperates and coordinates in such efforts.
What work has been done regarding health, environment, and discrimination issues?
Regarding health, the municipality has facilitated easy access to quality healthcare services for citizens. Health posts established in all wards provide convenient services to the residents. To address environmental concerns, we have been vigilant and active. Regarding the discrimination, there is still every form of discrimination persisting here. efforts are being made to eliminate all forms of discrimination through various social development programs initiated by the municipality.
What specific tasks has INSEC undertaken in the district, and what impact has its work had?
The work of INSEC in the district and municipalities is noteworthy. By shedding light on cases of human rights violations hidden within communities, INSEC has brought them to the forefront through its annual publications. Our role, as representatives and advocates for the community, is to provide guidance on assessing the status of human rights within the community and devising plans for improvement. Additionally, INSEC’s activities in raising awareness for human rights protection, monitoring, and conducting discussions on the status of human rights among various stakeholders have proven impactful in the district.
What plans has the municipality made to ensure human rights as the process of formulating policies, programs, and budget for the upcoming fiscal year progresses?
We have implemented various programs in the past to ensure human rights. In the upcoming fiscal year as well, we are preparing to continue such programs and introduce additional impactful programs to ensure continuity and effectiveness in promoting human rights.
