KATHMANDU: The Madhesh Commission is facing operational challenges due to a severe shortage of budget and resources, Acting Chairperson Jeewachh Sah has said.
Speaking at a meeting of the Women and Social Affairs Committee under the House of Representatives on Monday, Sah said the Commission is struggling to address multiple issues in the Madhesh region due to limited financial and institutional capacity.
He informed lawmakers that the Commission has already submitted more than 300 recommendations to the government on various issues related to Madhesh Province, some of which have been incorporated into the government’s annual policy and programme.
“There are numerous problems in Madhesh, and we lack sufficient resources to address them,” Sah said during the meeting.
He highlighted persistent social and economic challenges in the region, including dowry practices, harmful social customs, poverty, illiteracy, natural disasters, and unemployment, stressing the need for stronger state support.
According to him, the Commission currently has to operate programs across all 77 districts with a budget of only Rs 2 million, which he said is inadequate for its mandate. He also noted that the allocated Rs 500,000 for research and studies is insufficient.
Committee Chairperson Aakriti Awasthi said the state must take primary responsibility for addressing the problems of the Madhesh region while the Commission should continue to play a supportive role.
Lawmakers participating in the meeting urged the Commission to strengthen its effectiveness and expand its outreach activities.
Parbati BK called for broader awareness campaigns to eliminate deeply rooted dowry practices in Madhesh.
Reena Upreti KC expressed concern over high rates of domestic violence in Saptari and Siraha, urging the Commission to intensify monitoring and intervention efforts.
Deepak Kumar Sah raised concerns about unemployment in the region and questioned the Commission’s plan to address the issue.
Dr Lalita Kumari pointed out that Madhesh Province continues to face challenges in education and healthcare services and urged the Commission to draw government attention toward these sectors.
Lawmakers collectively emphasized the need for more effective coordination between the Commission and the government to address long-standing social and economic issues in Madhesh.
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