Event Summary
In August 2025, Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs published a draft NGO Registration, Regulation and Management Bill, consolidating three existing laws governing CSOs: the Associations Registration Act (1977), the National Guidance Act (1961), and the Social Welfare Act (1992). The draft proposes to dissolve the Social Welfare Council and create a new department under direct ministerial control. Critically, regulatory authority would shift from the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens to the Ministry of Home Affairs, signaling a move from a welfare-oriented to a security-oriented approach.
The bill was open for public comment for 15 days, with the government framing it as necessary to align with the federal constitution and promote transparency and accountability. However, the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), after urgent consultations, has denounced the draft as regressive, restricting freedom of association and shrinking civic space. NFN’s press release highlights problematic provisions on registration, renewal, and oversight.