KATHMANDU, June 9: Dr Ojaswee Sherchand, Chair of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives, has emphasized that meaningful public and stakeholder participation is essential to strengthen the quality, ownership, and effectiveness of laws.
Speaking after receiving an expert review report on the National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081, Dr. Sherchand highlighted the need for a systematic and inclusive approach to lawmaking. She said engagement with experts, stakeholders, and citizens helps ensure legislation is responsive to public needs and grounded in practical realities.
“The committee is responsible for reviewing bills that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of citizens. As parliamentarians, we must ensure that public interest remains at the center of the legislative process,” she said.
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Dr. Sherchand added that independent reviews and thematic discussions conducted by experts and organizations provide valuable input for parliamentary committees. Such contributions, she noted, help lawmakers better understand technical issues, stakeholder concerns, and the broader implications of proposed legislation.
She informed that discussions on the forensic science bill are ongoing within the committee, with further consultations with subject-matter experts planned in the coming days. According to her, comprehensive reports incorporating diverse perspectives help make lawmaking more evidence-based and constructive.
The expert review report was prepared by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB) Nepalfollowing a stakeholder consultation on the bill and was formally submitted to the committee.
Handing over the report, ACORAB Director Siromani Dhungana highlighted the organization’s long-running initiative Hello Sansad, which aims to strengthen public engagement in parliamentary processes.
“For nearly a decade, Hello Sansad has worked to inform citizens about parliamentary affairs, legislative priorities, and the role of Parliament,” Dhungana said. “It reflects ACORAB’s commitment to connecting citizens with lawmakers and promoting meaningful participation in lawmaking.”
As part of its 2026 edition, Hello Sansad will focus on legislative review and public engagement around key bills under consideration in Parliament. The initiative will include expert reviews, stakeholder consultations, and structured reports containing recommendations to be submitted to relevant parliamentary committees.
ACORAB is the national umbrella organization of more than 380 community radio stations across all 77 districts of Nepal. Through its Community Information Network (CIN), it operates one of South Asia’s largest community radio systems, promoting democratic dialogue, civic participation, and inclusive governance.
