The “Youths in Policy and Entrepreneurship (YPE)” fellowship program is a comprehensive year-long initiative aimed at providing a platform for young individuals within the Koshi province to gain knowledge and actively participate in discussions about public policy, governance, and entrepreneurship. The program offers a unique opportunity for fellows to interact with policymakers, experts from various sectors, and members of the media, facilitating meaningful discourse on key policy and developmental issues. The second training camp for the Koshi Province YPE Fellowship 2023/24 was conducted successfully at the Hotel Shree Krishna in Biratnagar from August 15th to 17th, 2024.
Thirty participants were chosen as fellows for the YPE program who actively participated in the enriching training camp. The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Program Associate, Ms. Ranu Sah, who eloquently illuminated the objectives and significance of the second camp. Additionally, she outlined the framework and expectations for the three-day program, setting the stage for a productive and enlightening experience for all participants.
Day-1
Session : Finding Data & Facts to Support Parliamentarian
Mr. Ganesh Lamsal,
Senior Journalist, President, Parliamentary Reporters Forum, Koshi Province
Mr. Ganesh Lamsal, a senior journalist and the president of the Parliamentary Reporters Forum, Koshi Province, delivered an insightful session on the importance of data mining in supporting parliamentarians. He emphasized the crucial role that accurate data and facts play in legislative decision-making and policy formulation.
Mr. Lamsal highlighted that the legislature is the foundational structure of democracy, holding supreme power to protect citizens’ rights. Parliament, as the supreme legislative body, is tasked with formulating policies and enacting laws, exercising the sovereign power of the people. It is also the voice of the voiceless, continuously raising issues and concerns to ensure citizens’ rights are protected. Parliament is not merely a platform for opportunity but a powerful institution that monitors the government ensures the enforcement of laws, and upholds democratic practices. Mr. Lamsal outlined the various functions of parliament, including government formation, lawmaking, budget preparation, and implementation. He also mentioned the parliament’s role in conducting public hearings, imposing impeachment, and addressing public grievances.
The session detailed the structure of parliament, including the presence of MPs, the Secretariat, the Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker. Mr. Lamsal also pointed out the roles of parliamentary party leaders, whips, and subject committees. He discussed the various sessions, such as special sessions, zero-hour, and question-answer sessions, as well as the presence of journalists who cover parliamentary affairs. Mr. Lamsal stressed the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules and maintaining the dignity of the institution. He acknowledged that objections can be raised based on parliamentary rules, and it is crucial to ensure that parliament functions effectively and with integrity.
This session highlighted the significance of parliament as a cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing its role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, enacting laws, and holding the government accountable. Mr. Lamsal’s observations provided valuable insights into the functioning and responsibilities of parliament, reinforcing its critical position within the democratic framework.
Session : Effective Writing
During the session on “Effective Writing,” Mr. Yatindra K.C., Research Officer at Samriddhi Foundation, highlighted three essential rules: using an active voice, maintaining simplicity, and ensuring coherence in writing. Mr. K.C. highlighted the importance of using an active voice, where the subject of the action appears at the beginning of the sentence, making the writing clearer and more engaging for the reader. He also advised against using jargon, as it can complicate the text and discourage readers. He stressed the significance of coherence, suggesting that each paragraph should focus on one idea and be logically connected to the next.
Additionally, Mr. K.C. emphasized the value of concise sentences, encouraging participants to convey clear and focused messages by breaking down complex thoughts into multiple sentences. He further emphasized the importance of concise sentence construction, highlighting that long-winded sentences can diminish the message and lose the reader’s focus.
During the session, Mr. K.C. facilitated practical exercises to help participants contextualize the writing process. In summary, Mr. K.C.’s training session provided valuable insights into the mechanics of effective writing. Adhering to the principles of active voice, simplicity, and coherence, and crafting concise sentences can elevate writing from mundane to memorable, ensuring that readers are not only informed but also engaged and persuaded by the written word.
Session : Public Policy Research and Advocacy
The session on Public Policy Research and Advocacy, conducted by Shristika Neupane, Research Officer at Bikalpa, provided a comprehensive overview of public policy and its various aspects. She said public policy covers a broad spectrum the constitutions, laws, regulations, court rulings, administrative rules, guidelines, and other courses of action and funding priorities set by the government. During her talk she also highlighted two types of public policy: Formal Public Policy (P) and Informal Public Policy (p). Participants were guided through the Public Policy Making Process, which includes problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. It helped to provide participants with a clear understanding of the Public Policy Making Process.
The importance of research in public policy was emphasized, as empirical evidence leads to better policies and regulations. The session distinguished between Public Policy Research, which is problem-oriented and practical, and Basic or Academic Research, which focuses on generating new knowledge. Shristika detailed the process of conducting research, from identifying and evaluating sources to documenting findings and writing reports, stressing the need for clear, concise communication with policymakers who often have limited time.
The session concluded by stressing the significance of strategic research and the compilation of robust evidence to underpin public policy recommendations, equipping participants with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the field of public policy research and advocacy.
Basant Adhikari, Bikalpa’s Executive Director and Research Officer, delved into the fundamental aspects of public policy and the art of persuading people through effective advocacy. Adhikari stressed the significance of identifying key stakeholders, including beneficiaries, allies, partners, decision-makers, influencers, and adversaries, in developing successful advocacy campaigns. He illustrated various advocacy strategies, such as establishing interfaith groups, orchestrating harmony rallies, and facilitating stakeholder dialogues.
The session outlined actionable steps for advocacy, such as devising a plan, forming coalitions, engaging policymakers, and leveraging promotional tools like social media, press releases, and petitions. Participants were also urged to collaborate with law committees, hold press conferences, and utilize media platforms to amplify their message. By the conclusion of the session, attendees had acquired a comprehensive understanding of strategically influencing public policy and effectively advocating for their causes.
Day-2
Session: Demystifying the Constitution of Nepal
Mr. Rupesh Koirala, an esteemed senior advocate, provided a comprehensive lecture titled “Demystifying the Constitution of Nepal,” where he meticulously dissected the essence and paramount importance of a constitution in a sovereign state. He began by explaining the fundamental concept of what a constitution is, emphasizing that any laws made against it will be deemed inconsistent, which is why it is referred to as the fundamental law of the land. He highlighted that the best educational combination for understanding constitutional matters is political science followed by law, noting that globally, 80% of successful politicians come from a law background.
Delving deeper, Mr. Koirala illuminated the historical context of constitutions, drawing parallels with the British Constitution, which epitomizes the democratic ideals of its era. He expounded on the constitution’s role in delineating the foundational elements of a state, such as the official religion, the collective beliefs, and the governance framework. He emphasized the constitution’s function in establishing the rights of citizens, ensuring these rights are protected, and providing legal remedies for any infringements.
Furthermore, Mr. Koirala highlighted the paradox of dictatorial regimes that operate under the guise of democracy, underscoring the constitution’s critical role in setting forth the nation’s aspirations, philosophical ethos, and the sanctity of rights. He pointed out that the constitution demarcates national boundaries and mandates the creation of constitutional bodies, which collectively steer the governance of the state under its codified principles and objectives.
In essence, Mr. Koirala’s session was not merely an exposition on the Constitution of Nepal but a clear call to recognize and uphold the constitution as the ultimate instrument of governance and democracy. His insights attract the audience to appreciate the constitution’s dynamic nature, reflecting the political will and spirit of its time, while also serving as a steadfast guardian of democracy and governance.
Session: Classical Liberalism and the Market Economy
Mr. Surath Giri conducted an insightful session on Classical Liberalism and the Market Economy, emphasizing key historical developments. He began by highlighting the economic stagnation during the Dark Ages, noting that until 1800 AD, the world, including Nepal, was largely impoverished except for the ruling elites. He explained that after 1800 AD, the global focus shifted towards international trade, leading to significant economic transformations. Mr. Giri outlined the after the decline of aristocracy there was the rise of entrepreneurs which made the establishment of property rights, minimal government regulation, and the development of contract law. He also discussed the emergence of banks and financial institutions, the laissez-faire market economy, private infrastructure, global trade, wage labor, and specialization. Additionally, he touched on the rise of limited liability corporate structures, insurance companies, the increased demand for education, and the initiation of social security services.
Mr. Surath Giri provided an in-depth exploration of key concepts and principles foundational to these topics. He discussed major thinkers such as Adam Smith and John Locke, whose philosophies contributed to ideas like anti-mercantilism, the invisible hand, self-interest over altruism, and the importance of free international trade. He also covered the principles of liberalism, emphasizing individual liberty, equality before the law, civil liberties, meritocracy, and economic opportunities.
Additionally, he explained the political compass and principles of the free market, such as private property, voluntary exchange, consumer sovereignty, and limited government intervention. He also addressed progressive challenges to liberalism, including the rise of fascism, communism, and authoritarianism, and discussed the history of liberalism in Nepal, highlighting gradual social and economic reforms post-1951 and 1990. Finally, Mr. Giri presented a free market checklist for policy analysis, focusing on ensuring free entry, competition, equal playing ground, and a free price system.
Session : Koshi Province Assembly Visit
During the visit to the Koshi Province Assembly, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the assembly’s rules of procedure, delving into its decision-making processes, and the roles and responsibilities of its members. The visit included a one-hour interactive session with Hon Mr. Amber Bista, the Speaker of the Koshi Province Assembly, along with key officials such as Gopal Prasad Parajuli (Provincial Assembly Secretary), Gautam Raj Amatya (Undersecretary, Administration/General Administration), and Dilli Prasad Acharya (Under Secretary, Law). Hon Mr.Amber Bista shared valuable insights into the workings of the assembly and his experiences as Speaker, while Mr. Parajuli emphasized the roles and responsibilities of the provincial assembly and the functions of its members, while discussions allowed participants to explore challenges and opportunities in assembly work and the significance of effective governance.
The visit also included a tour of the assembly hall, offering participants a firsthand look at its operations and structure. Participants actively engaged in discussions about the challenges and opportunities in assembly work, particularly focusing on the implications of federalism in Nepal. They explored how federalism has shaped the political landscape and its impact on governance at the provincial level. The session allowed participants to reflect on these issues and provided a platform to suggest ways to enhance the effectiveness of the Koshi Province Assembly. The Speaker encouraged participants to share their perspectives and collaborate on strategies to foster the development and prosperity of Koshi Province.
Session : Interaction with Parliamentary Committees Members
The panel discussion session on Interaction with Parliamentary Committees Members brought together distinguished Members of various committees from the Koshi Province Assembly. Hosted by journalist Mr. Sabin Ghimire, the session aimed to deepen the understanding of the functions and roles of the Assembly’s committees. The panellists included Hon. Mr. Jay Prakash Chaudhary from the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee; Hon. Shova Chemjong from the Social Development Committee; Hon. Bidur Kumar Linthep from the Finance Committee; and Hon. Geeta Timlishna from the Judicial Administration Committee. Each panelist offered unique insights and perspectives, enriching the discussion with in-depth analyses of their respective committees’ work and sharing forward-looking views on enhancing the Assembly’s effectiveness.
Hon Jay Prakash Chaudhary
Mr. Hon Jay Prakash Chaudhary reiterated the crucial role of the federal system in improving the accessibility of services for citizens. He highlighted the drawbacks of the previous centralized system, where people had to rely solely on the central government for their diverse needs, often resulting in inefficiencies. The shift to federalism, with its tripartite governance structure encompassing the central, provincial, and local levels, was specifically designed to address these challenges and bring governance closer to the grassroots level.
Emphasizing the significance of provinces within this decentralized framework, Mr. Chaudhary delved into the operational dynamics of the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee. Notably, despite its name, the committee currently lacks jurisdiction over industrial matters, sparking ongoing informal deliberations to potentially broaden its scope to include oversight of the industrial sector. Nevertheless, the committee’s core mandate remains the vigilant monitoring of tourism, forestry, and environmental issues within the province, ensuring the efficacious enforcement of related laws, and evaluating the progress of planned activities for the fiscal year.
During the training session, Mr. Hon. Jay Prakash Chaudhary, a committee member, emphasized the relevance of having provinces within the federal system. He highlighted that the previous centralized governance structure necessitated reliance on the central government for legislative, developmental, and public interest issues. The decentralization brought about by federalism aims to bring governance closer to the people, making services more accessible and efficient through three levels of government: central, provincial, and local. He underscored the importance of provinces in addressing local needs promptly.
Mr. Chaudhary also discussed the role and scope of the Industry, Tourism, and Environment Committee, which he is part of. He noted that, although “Industry” is in the committee’s name, it currently does not fall under its jurisdiction. The committee is considering expanding its mandate to include industry-related matters and plans to discuss this with the Speaker. The committee’s primary focus will be on tourism, forest, and environmental issues within the province. They will monitor the implementation of related laws and the progress of planned activities for the fiscal year. Regular updates are obtained from ministry officials to ensure effective oversight.
Hon Shova Chemjong
During a recent panel discussion, Honorable Mrs. Chemjong articulated the intricate and metaphorical relationship between central and provincial governments with the analogy, “As soon as it rains in the center, the provinces have to take out their umbrellas.” This statement poignantly captures the direct impact of political instability at the national level on provincial governance structures. The frequent shifts in central government policies have led to significant disruptions in provincial development projects, culminating in a series of unfinished initiatives and impeding the anticipated progress.
The Social Development Committee, which oversees critical sectors such as education, health, cooperatives, and sports, was established on October 9, 2023. Its inaugural meeting took place on November 24, 2023. Mrs. Chemjong highlighted the crucial role of subject committees, drawing a parallel to a “mini parliament” where pivotal issues are deliberated. These committees play a vital role in informed policymaking by inviting experts to offer insights and recommendations.
The committee’s responsibilities include conducting studies and overseeing the execution of schools, cooperatives, and hospitals under the provincial government’s jurisdiction. Its primary mandate is to monitor the implementation of government plans and evaluate their efficacy in fulfilling the needs of the public. However, the committee’s operations are currently constrained by the lack of dedicated office space and budget, which limits its autonomous functioning.
Mrs. Chemjong emphasized the necessity for the committee to attain financial, administrative, and political autonomy to effectively supervise government activities. The panel discussion underscored the profound influence of political stability on provincial development and the indispensable function of subject committees in scrutinizing and directing government actions. Addressing the operational impediments faced by these committees is imperative for achieving effective governance and aligning with the public’s expectations.
Hon Bidur Kumar Linthep
Honorable Bidur Kumar Linthep elaborated on the intricate process of committee formation within the legislative framework. Once elected, officials are tasked with establishing various committees, including the pivotal Finance Committee. This committee’s role is instrumental in shaping fiscal policy and providing economic guidance to the provincial government. It scrutinizes financial activities for any irregularities and ensures that the province’s economic strategies align with broader financial regulations. The Finance Committee also plays a crucial role in delineating revenue boundaries and advising on appropriate revenue rates during the budgetary process. In Koshi Province, regular committee meetings are convened to deliberate on these financial matters, ensuring that the government’s fiscal policies adhere to the committee’s recommendations and maintain fiscal discipline.
Hon Geeta Timlishna
Mrs. Hon. Geeta Timlishna, a member of the Judicial Administration Committee, highlighted the critical role her committee plays in drafting and advancing laws within the province. She explained that the committee’s primary focus is on the judicial and legislative aspects of law-making, particularly concerning the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General.
Mrs. Timlishna also detailed the meticulous process of drafting laws, which includes multiple phases of discussion and interaction with stakeholders, including experts, to ensure fairness and comprehensiveness. She emphasized that despite thorough efforts, some aspects may be overlooked, but there is a continuous process of revision to improve the legislation. The essence of federalism, she noted, is to bring government services closer to the people, ensuring that laws are accessible and convenient, embodying the idea of bringing the powers of Singha Durbar to every household.
Gala Dinner and Networking session with Koshi province Assembly Members
The Interaction Session Program with Koshi Province Assembly Members, followed by a dinner program, commenced with an esteemed gathering of distinguished guests from various political parties who serve as Province Assembly Members. The event was organized to provide insights into the Assembly members’ experiences and to help YPE fellows establish connections with these esteemed Members of Parliament.
Mr. Suman Rai, representing Bikalpa – an Alternative, moderated the program, warmly welcoming all guests and attendees. He highlighted the significance of such interactions in bridging the gap between legislators and the promising YPE fellows, and shared 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 shared their perspectives and expressed their appreciation for the fellowship. Distinguished representatives from various political parties, including Honorable Meena Shrestha (CPN UML), Honorable Sunita Gachhadar (Nepali Congress), Honorable Geeta Timlishna (Maoist Centre), Honorable Shila Dixit Karki (CPN UML), Honorable Sapana Pariyar (Nepal Communist Party – Maoist Centre), Honorable Bidur Kumar Lingthep (CPN UML), Honorable Ram Prasad Metha (CPN UML), Honorable Kamala Darnal (CPN UML), and Honorable Bidhya Chamling Rai (Unified Socialist), expressed their enthusiasm to collaborate with the YPE Koshi fellows and emphasized the positive impact such partnerships can have on the legislative process.
The YPE Koshi fellows introduced 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. The session concluded with a dinner, fostering further interaction and networking.
Day-3
Budget Making process of Koshi Province
Mr. Bidur Paudel , Assistant Secretary , Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning
Mr. Bidur Paudel led an insightful session on budget formulation in Koshi Province. He shared The Provincial Planning Commission, along with various Provincial Ministries, Bodies, Offices, and Local Levels, played pivotal roles in this process. They were responsible for setting limits on revenue, royalties, and grants, as well as approving foreign aid and internal loans. Their recommendations on revenue allocations and loan acquisitions were crucial for the selection of projects eligible for complementary and special grants.
Mr. Paudel also explained various budget types, including balanced, deficit, and zero-based budgets, and detailed the budget cycle encompassing formulation, approval, implementation, and monitoring. He underscored the budget’s importance as a fundamental tool for governance, development, and financial management, linking it to constitutional provisions and relevant laws such as the Intergovernmental Fiscal Management Act and Provincial Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility Act.
The session highlighted the importance of the Provincial Planning Commission’s role in providing expert opinions and suggestions during budget discussions and approvals. They also coordinated the overall budget formulation, resource estimation, and limit determination, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fiscal planning. The discussion of projects within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and annual programs was emphasized, along with the formulation of budget proposals and project recommendations.
Mr. Paudel also addressed the implementation guidelines for the provincial budget, which included the authority vested in offices through the PLMBIS System. Once programs were entered into this system, they were considered approved and ready for implementation. The procurement process was to be conducted in accordance with the law, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The session also covered the critical aspects of expenditure and accounting, utilizing systems like TSA/C-GAS, and the importance of accurate reporting. Budget reallocation, source changes, program amendments, as well as budget freezing, surrender, and control were discussed in detail. Moreover, the session highlighted the significance of monitoring, evaluation, and progress review, along with internal and final auditing to maintain fiscal discipline.
Mr. Paudel also suggested enhancing the project identification and selection system, fully utilizing the project bank, and determining priorities more effectively. Expanding revenue sectors, increasing collections, and optimizing the selection and utilization of grants from various government levels were identified as areas needing attention. Additionally, the commitment to multi-year projects and the control of budget amendments and reallocations were discussed. Public testing, hearings, and quality testing were recommended to ensure transparency and accountability. Lastly, the session called for addressing the issue of incomplete projects and excessive spending at the end of the fiscal year, advocating for more effective progress review, monitoring, evaluation, and auditing practices.
Session : Fiscal Federalism ( Revenue and Expenditure of koshi Province )
Mr. Manoj Niroula, Account Officer
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, Koshi Province, Biratnagar,Nepal
Manoj Niroula provided an insightful overview of Fiscal Federalism, emphasizing its critical role within the broader framework of federal governance. He elucidated that federalism, as a system, is not merely about governing states but is a sophisticated architecture designed for self-rule and shared rule, which is constitutionally structured to distribute powers across various levels of government. This distribution is not arbitrary but follows the highest ideals of democracy, ensuring that each level of government—federal, provincial, and local—operates within a specified domain of exclusive and shared rights.
Niroula highlighted that Nepal’s adoption of federalism is grounded in the principles of cooperation, coordination, and coexistence, which are essential for the smooth functioning of a multi-layered governance system. The constitution’s allocation of political, financial, and administrative powers reflects a commitment to cooperative federalism, where each tier of government is not only self-governing but also partakes in shared governance.
Focusing on the fiscal aspect, Niroula explained that Fiscal Federalism is concerned with the financial interrelations between different government levels. It seeks a balanced allocation and execution of financial rights and responsibilities, ensuring that financial sources are divided, transferred, and regulated effectively to meet the expenditure obligations of each government level. This system is pivotal for maintaining a stable and efficient federal governance structure.
He further clarified that Financial Federalism is integral to how financial rights and responsibilities are distributed across government tiers. It is a foundational element for a federal system, encompassing the management of public expenditure, revenue, debt, and economic activities. The framework of Financial Federalism is comprehensive, detailing the management of public finance and economic functions among the various levels of government, delineating what is managed and by whom.
In conclusion, Niroula’s session on Fiscal Federalism shed light on its multifaceted dimensions—administrative, fiscal, and political—and underscored its significance in the context of Nepal’s governance. The session was a valuable contribution to understanding the complexities of federalism and its practical implications for the nation’s governance and financial management.
Session : Nepal Nepal’s Geopolitical Setting and its impact on its public policy:
Mr. Krishna Pokhrel elaborated on how Nepal’s strategic location has evolved from being ‘landlocked’ to ‘land-linked’ following the 2015 trade blockade and the subsequent trade and transit agreement with China. This shift has transformed Nepal’s approach to foreign policy and trade, underscoring the importance of maintaining balanced relations with both India and China.
The session also delved into Nepal’s foreign policy objectives, which include safeguarding its sovereignty, enhancing economic prosperity through diplomacy, and managing relations with major powers and neighboring countries. Key actors in Nepal’s policy-making process encompass international and domestic stakeholders such as neighboring countries, regional organizations, the United Nations, and domestic officials.
Mr. Pokhrel outlined Nepal’s strategy of maintaining ‘equiproximity’ with India and China while bolstering its role in UN peacekeeping and regional organizations. By emphasizing strategic autonomy, Nepal aims to avoid over-dependence on any single country, thereby balancing economic and cultural diplomacy to enhance its international standing and economic growth.
This comprehensive overview provided a clear understanding of how Nepal’s geopolitical environment shapes its public policies and diplomatic strategies, highlighting the necessity for nuanced and adaptable policy-making in response to global and regional dynamics.
Group Work
During the session, participants presented group assignments on various pressing issues related to Koshi Province. The topics included “Analysis of Koshi Province,” “Introduction to Smart License,” “Delay in Justice on Juvenile Delinquency in Koshi Province,” “Health and Hygiene: The Need for Public Toilet Management in Biratnagar,” and “Koshi’s Tourism: What’s Holding It Back?”
The session featured four distinct presentations and one Drama:
Introduction to Smart License: This group focused on the implementation and benefits of the Smart License system in Koshi Province. They analyzed the current status, challenges in adoption, and proposed strategies to enhance the system’s efficiency and accessibility.
Delay in Justice on Juvenile Delinquency in Koshi Province: This presentation addressed the pressing issue of delayed justice in cases involving juvenile delinquency. The group explored the causes of delays, impacts on affected juveniles, and suggested policy reforms to expedite the justice process.
Health and Hygiene: The Need for Public Toilet Management in Biratnagar: The participants highlighted the urgent need for better public toilet management in Biratnagar, linking it to broader health and hygiene concerns. They provided a comparative analysis of global best practices and offered practical recommendations for improvement.
Koshi’s Tourism: What’s Holding It Back?: This group analyzed the challenges hindering tourism development in Koshi Province. They identified key barriers such as infrastructure, marketing, and policy gaps, and proposed actionable solutions to unlock the region’s tourism potential.
One of the groups presented through the act of the Mook Parliament Drama on the session about the livelihood issue of the Street vendor.
Each group consisted of six participants with diverse academic and geographical backgrounds, allowing for a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. The participants were given a basic assignment guideline that included an introduction,, issues, Problem identification, Solution and recommendations. Each group was given 7 minutes to present their findings, followed by insightful comments and feedback from the participants. This interactive session facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the issues and encouraged critical thinking among the participants.
Way Forward and Certification
Mr. Basanta Adhikari took the opportunity to express his sincere congratulations to the fellows for their successful completion of the training phase. He provided an in-depth briefing on the next stages of the program in collaboration with Bikalpa, outlining the roles and responsibilities expected of the fellows as part of the YPE Koshi fellowship. To dispel any doubts or uncertainties, Mr. Adhikari proactively addressed questions regarding the nuances of the fellowship, ensuring that the fellows had a clear understanding of the program. He emphasized the importance of open communication, urging the fellows to engage with the Bikalpa teams as needed for a supportive fellowship experience. The session concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants, in recognition of their dedication and hard work throughout the training.
