The Youth in Policy and Governance (YPG) fellowship program offers a unique year-long opportunity for individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 to acquire knowledge and practical experience in lawmaking, public policy, and governance. Through a combination of training, mentorship, and one-on-one collaboration with Members of the Provincial Assembly, participants serve as knowledge assistants. YPG Fellows receive mentorship and training from experts representing various sectors related to the socio-economic dimensions of public policy and governance. Their primary responsibility is to provide extensive research support to Members of the Provincial Assembly, assisting them in their parliamentary duties. This includes tasks such as drafting parliamentary questions, preparing speeches for discussions, and addressing matters of public importance. In essence, the fellows serve as the MPs’ knowledge assistants.

The YPG Fellows actively engage with policymakers, think tank experts, academics, journalists, and leaders from different institutions to discuss significant policy and development issues. Additionally, they have the opportunity to visit the Provincial Assembly during assembly sessions and meetings, gaining practical experience in governance. The third training camp of Koshi Province YPG Fellowship 2022/23 was successfully conducted at the Ratna Hotel in Biratnagar from May 12th to 14th, 2023. Twelve finalists, representing six districts from Koshi Province, were selected as fellows for the YPG Koshi program and attended the training camp. They will subsequently serve as knowledge and research assistants to the honorable members of the Koshi Province Assembly.

Session 1 :
Interaction with YPG Fellows (Experience Sharing)
Ms. Sarah J. Knight,
Cultural Affairs Officer, US Embassy, Nepal

The session commenced with the formal introduction of Ms. Sarah J. Knight and Ms. Pallabi Shrestha, followed by the introduction of the 12 fellows. The fellows took the opportunity to share their experiences during the YPG Koshi 2022/23 fellowship program, about how it has positively influenced their personal and professional growth. Their eagerness and enthusiasm to collaborate with the Members of the Koshi Provincial Assembly were also expressed. Following the introduction, the participants shared their insights on the program’s process and their newfound understanding on public policy and legislative procedures.

Furthermore, they discussed the ways in which fellows can actively contribute and engage in shaping effective policies at the sub-national level. Sarah also provided guidance on how the fellows can effectively support the assigned Members of Koshi Provincial Assembly and emphasized the importance of communication with the PRC and Bikalpa team if any challenges arise during the course of the fellowship placement.

Session 2 :
Demystifying the Constitution of Nepal
Mr. Binod Timalsina,
Executive Member, Biratnagar High Court Bar

The session commenced with the knowledge-sharing segment, during which the resource person invited participants to voluntarily engage in defining their understanding of the Constitution. Subsequently, the rhetoric presentation ensued, wherein the resource person shared the distribution of jurisdiction, in accordance with the constitutional provisions given to the various tiers of government. This encompassed an in-depth exploration of the directive principles outlined in the constitution, as well as an examination of the establishment and composition of the federal, provincial, and local legislative bodies, alongside the procedural aspects of the executive branches at each level. Towards the conclusion of the session, a question-and-answer period took place, providing participants the opportunity to have their inquiries addressed by the resource person.

Session 3 :
Fostering Economy through Public Policy
Mr. Sarwagya Raj Pandey,
Consultant, Business Enabling Environment & Federal State Building, Swiss Contact

The Resource Person showcased case studies from various countries that had implemented thoroughly, resulting in significant advancements in their economic development. Participants were introduced to examples such as the Indian BOOT Model of Economy, the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Program in Mauritius, and Ghana’s BDS program. Additionally, international practices of policies from around the world, including “Startup India,” Startup Bangladesh, and Indonesia’s TVET program, were discussed. Furthermore, the resource person familiarized participants with the ten principles of sound public policy, which were derived from the Centre for Civil Society (CCS). The session was then concluded with the Q and A session where the resource person addressed the fellow’s questions.

Session 4 :
Data Mining: Finding Data & Facts to Support Parliamentarian
Mr. Ganesh Lamsal,
Senior Journalist, President, Parliamentary Reporters Forum, Koshi Province

The session commenced with a comprehensive introduction to legislative data, encompassing an exploration of the various sources from which such data can be acquired. The Resource Person further enriched the session by sharing personal anecdotes and professional experiences, shedding light on the challenges encountered during the data acquisition process. In an effort to enhance participants’ understanding, credible sources for accessing data were introduced. Participants were acquainted with reliable outlets for obtaining both governmental and nongovernmental data. Specifically, governmental data, which holds significant credibility, can be procured from sources bearing the “.gov.np” domain extension. On the other hand, nongovernmental data sources were exemplified through renowned international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank, all of which provide trustworthy data resources.

Session 5 :
Parliamentary Committees and their Function
Mr. Chandra Madi Pokhrel,
Deputy Secretary, Koshi Provincial Assembly Secretariat

The session was initiated with a comprehensive overview of the constitutional provisions in Nepal regarding the jurisdiction and authority granted to the provincial level by Article 195 of the Constitution of Nepal that grants provincial assemblies to establish the committees tasked with overseeing and managing legislative procedures.
The Resource Person proceeded to share the participants with the seven committees that have been established within the Koshi provincial assembly, along with their respective roles and functions. He also introduced participants to the types of committees and their structural formation. Furthermore, participants were informed about the potential challenges and disputes that these committees encounter during their operational activities. The session culminated with an engaging question-and-answer segment, wherein participants had the opportunity to seek clarification and gain further insights.

Session 6 :
Leveraging the Provincial Assembly Secretariat and its function
Mr. Gopal Prasad Parajuli,
Secretary, Koshi Provincial Assembly

The session began with introducing the Province Assembly Secretariat, providing participants with valuable insights into its organizational structure. Emphasizing the significance of the secretariat, the Resource Person highlighted its role in facilitating the smooth and efficient functioning of the assembly. This involves the provision of crucial administrative, financial, and material support, ensuring the assembly operates regularly, effectively, and with meticulous management.
Furthermore, participants were informed about the diverse responsibilities entrusted to the secretariat. These encompass a wide array of tasks aimed at maintaining the assembly’s operational efficiency and productivity. The Resource Person also shed light on the challenges encountered by the secretariat in executing its duties and achieving its objectives. Moreover, they were made aware of the challenges that arise in its day-to-day functioning, thereby fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved. The session was then followed by the Q and A session.

Session 7 :
Fellowship Placement and Guiding Document’s Introduction
Mr. Barun Chhetri,
Program Officer, Pokhara Research Centre (PRC)

During the session, the Resource Person provided a comprehensive introduction to the contract paper and fellowship placement guidelines, informing the fellows on the essential aspects they need to be known with. Fellows were made clear about regarding the roles and responsibilities that fellows are expected to fulfill throughout the duration of their placement. Moreover, the Resource Person addressed the potential challenges that fellows may encounter during their placement, presenting viable solutions to mitigate these obstacles effectively.
In an effort to ensure a comprehensive understanding, the fellows were encouraged to pose questions regarding the placement. The Resource Person patiently and thoroughly addressed each inquiry, providing detailed responses that fostered a deeper comprehension of the fellowship placement. Overall, the session proved to be instrumental in equipping the fellows with the necessary knowledge and guidance to navigate their roles and responsibilities during the placement, while also preparing them to tackle any challenges that may arise.

Session 8 :
Engaging with Policy Makers
Ms. Usha Kala Rai,
Former Minister, Social Development Ministry

The session encompassed a balanced blend of interactive discussions and informative presentations. The resource person, drawing from her extensive professional experience, provided valuable insights into her interactions with parliamentarians. She presented various case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas and shared the strategies she employed to effectively address them. The resource person emphasized the importance of adhering to principles of morality and ethics along with the professionalism when engaging with parliamentarians. This entailed maintaining strict confidentiality of documents and information, as well as navigating the complexities that may arise from both internal and external factors, which can pose challenges during the placement. By showcasing into real-life scenarios and sharing practical solutions, the resource person effectively conveyed the significance of upholding moral and ethical standards when interacting with parliamentarians.

Session 9 :
YPG Koshi Fellows Meet Up with Members of Koshi Province Assembly

The program was honored by the presence of 18 Members of the Koshi Provincial Assembly. Honorable Baburam Gautam, Speaker of the Koshi Province Assembly, served as the distinguished chief guest. Additionally, the program was honored by the special presence of Honorable Shrijana Danuwar, Deputy Speaker of the Koshi Province Assembly. The program commenced with a warm welcome delivered by the Masters of Ceremony, setting the tone for the engaging sessions that followed. Mr. Dipesh Ghimire, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Tribhuvan University. He delivered a session on the topic “Youth, Governance, and the Koshi Province” directed specifically to the honorable member of Koshi Provincial Assembly & the fellows of YPG Koshi. Following the session, a comprehensive question-and-answer segment allowed the resource person to address the questions raised by the MPAs as well as the fellows.

Subsequently, Mr. Sujan Regmi, Executive Director of PRC, provided an insightful introduction to the YPG fellowship program, offering an overview of the journey ahead. Supported by Mr. Basanta Adhikari, Executive Director of Bikalpa – an Alternatives, the program overview shed light on the core objectives and principles guiding the fellowship program. Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly also shared their perspectives and expressed their appreciation for the fellowship

program, highlighting its value in strengthening the Koshi Province Assembly and fostering their own capacity within the parliamentary process. Distinguished representatives from various political parties, including Honorable Shrijana Rai from CPN UML, Honorable Gayananda Mandal Gangai from Nepali Congress, Honorable Narayan Bahadur Magar from Maoist Centre, Honorable Sabina Bajgain from Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Honorable Bidhya Chamling Rai from Unified Socialist, expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate with the YPG Koshi fellows and emphasized the positive impact such partnerships can have on the legislative process.
Moreover, the YPG Koshi fellows took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Members of the Provincial Assembly, highlighting their respective skill sets and outlining how they can contribute as valuable assets throughout the placement period.

Concluding the program, the chief guest delivered an appreciative speech, expressing gratitude for the program’s initiatives and offering unwavering support. Notably, he emphasized his commitment to assisting the fellowship program and mediating between the fellows and the Members of the Provincial Assembly whenever necessary. The chief guest also underscored the program’s significance in enhancing the legislative process at the provincial level, benefiting both the Koshi Province Assembly and its members. As a token of appreciation, Mr. Sujan Regmi and Mr. Basanta Adhikari presented a heartfelt memento to the chief guest, symbolizing gratitude for his presence & support to the Fellowship Program from its inspection. The program concluded on a celebratory note with a group photo.

Session 10 :
Way Forward and Certification
Mr. Sujan Regmi,
Executive Director, Pokhara Research Centre (PRC)

Mr. Sujan Regmi extended a heartfelt congratulations to the fellows for successfully completing the training phase. Subsequently, the participants were provided with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities as part of the YPG Koshi fellowship during the placement period. The resource person took the initiative to address any confusion or uncertainties the fellows may have had regarding the fellowship program and its intricacies. Additionally, the fellows were strongly encouraged to reach out to the PRC and Bikalpa teams whenever necessary, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience throughout their journey.
Concluding the program, the participants were presented with certificates, acknowledging their commitment and dedication to the program.