The Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2074 (2017), was enacted to uphold the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their empowerment and active participation in policy-making and development processes. As per Article 43 of the Act, the Local Coordination Committees (LCCs) are responsible for coordinating and launching programs in collaboration with local bodies, institutions, and associations to protect the rights and interests of persons with disabilities. They are tasked with inquiring into disability classifications, recommending the issuance of identity cards, developing disability-friendly infrastructures, and maintaining updated records of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, they monitor and evaluate local disability programs to ensure their effectiveness.
These comprehensive functions and duties demonstrate the crucial role of the LCCs in advancing an inclusive environment in Nepal. However, since the enactment of the Act in 2017, though one full term of local governments has been completed, and the second term is halfway through, no independent research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of the LCCs. This research project, therefore, aims to comprehensively assess the performance of the LCCs across five municipalities in Bagmati Province. By conducting interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzing relevant data, the study will examine the LCCs' achievements, identify areas for improvement, and propose strategies to enhance their efficacy in safeguarding disability rights. This assessment is crucial for informing policy interventions that can better support and advance the rights of persons with disabilities in newly established federal Nepal.
Funded by CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Nepal Country Office