Experiences of SIRF Phase I ( ) Institutionalization Social Science Research

Context Basic rationale behind establishment of SIRF is the realization of social exclusion/inclusion as a subject of academic research and discourse of policy debate Thus, since its establishment SIRF has been working to institutionalize it as a national autonomous legal entity for research and policy debate, among others This presentation tries to summarize experiences of its institutionalization in its Phase I ( ).

How the Concept Emerged The idea of SIRF emerged once a project identification team formed by the Norwegian Embassy in Nepal (2003) developed a concept on study program for social inclusion The team also recommended –Establish SIRF for supporting research on social inclusion and nation building and creating a platform for policy debate –Establish Norwegian– Nepali cooperation for research on social inclusion and nation building.

Starting Institutional Arrangement Independent governance mechanism for SIRF An inclusive high level Screening Committee for selection and appraisal of research topics and proposals SNV- provide secretariat facility for the administration of the Fund until institutional arrangement is found.

Study for Institutional Options A study commissioned in 2004 identified following legal and institutional options for SIRF –Register as a Company –Co-operative society –NGO –An autonomous body under separate Act –Development Board –Affiliated with a University –Affiliated with Academy for Upliftment of Ethnic Minorities.

Screened Options Out of the seven options, it was screened and short-listed into three, based on the inputs from various stakeholders –Institution to be set up under Separate Act –Form a Development Board, and –Institute under a university

A Study Team Constituted in May 2007 to identify suitable structure and subsequent arrangements to institutionalise the Fund as an autonomous Nepali national “identity” thereby enable it operate as an independent legal body. Study Team- Mr. Shambhu Sharan Kayastha (leader) and members- Dr. Sumitra Manandhar Gurung, Dr. Madan Pariyar, Mr. Purna Man Shakya and Mr. Mohan Das Manandhar

Recommendation of the Team There is a need to identify causes and solutions of social exclusion through in-depth research Research need to be complimented by advocacy and education in matters of social exclusion. Need to convert research findings into policies Establish Social Inclusion Academy (Foundation) as an autonomous institution with government ownership and a separate legal personality

Objectives of the Academy  To work as a focal point for study and research on the causes and solutions of social exclusion  To identify the causes of political, economic and social discrimination and find solutions to those problems  To study about excluded communities and update the data and information about them  To make available the findings of research to concerned government and non-government bodies.  To bring those issues in public discussion and take steps necessary for inclusion in government policies

Objectives of the Academy cont…. To enhance research capability of target group through training and apprenticeship To pursue research, advocacy and publicity activities To assist the GON in developing social inclusion policies and programmes To provide higher degree education on social inclusion if needed and recognize the degrees awarded by those communities in indigenous skills/ knowledge

Organizational Structure of the Academy Sub-committees Consultation Committees DPs and other Staff of the Academy Vice Chairperson Management Committee

Prime MinisterChair Senior Social Inclusion ExpertDy chair (CEO) Member NPCMember Chairperson Women’s Commission Member Chairperson Dalit Commission Member Chairperson Janajati Utthan PratisthanMember Representative from civil societyMember

Establishment of Devt. Board In the mean time, SIRF in consultation with the NPC also considered institutionalize it under Devt. Board Act For this, Social Inclusion Study and Research Fund Devt Board (formation) Order, 2064 was drafted in place of Social Inclusion Foundation Bill The composition of the proposed Board was; –Vice Chair (NPC) chair, and –Members include Chief Secretary (GON) and Chair persons of Women Commission, Dalit Commission, Janajati Pratisthan and a representative from Madheshi community

Further efforts of Institutionalisation Seek option to link SIRF with National Inclusion Commission, however, it was not possible – because of the temporary nature of the NIC – because it could not address the objective of SIRF Discussed the option of placing SIRF at CNAS with independent steering committee, that also could not found feasible.

Issues/Challenges Extensive groundwork done but institutionalization could not materialize SIRF has been running under project approach Issue about research and policy advocacy from same or separate agency Research only for new knowledge generation or also for policy changes Focus on social inclusion research or social science research from wider perspectives Autonomous institution vs. government funding

Lessons learnt The SIRF explored various options for institutionalizing it and found that –constant consultation with different stakeholders– very important –An autonomous institution with govt ownership is urgent –International experiences of institution for Social Science Research Council (e.g. India) needs to be considered. Research not only generate knowledge in social exclusion but also contribute to social inclusion Social inclusion to be looked into wider context of nation building and Nepalese society as a whole Consider establish social science research council

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