Research Study Abstract

Title: Mapping of Actors engaged to support Federalization in Nepal
Document Reference: researchstudy1.pdf

Executive Summary & Findings

Research: Mapping of Actors engaged to support Federalization in Nepal
Funding Partner: The Asia Foundation (TAF)
The Interim Constitution, through its first amendment in April 2007, if Nepal would adopt a federal
structure, abandoning its longstanding unitary and centralist state structure. Federalism is a complex
system and transforming a unitary system into a federation ("federation by disaggregation") is more
complicated than forming a federation with formerly independent units ("federation by aggregation").
Presently, interesting debates on federalism are taking place in Nepal. Most of these are focused on
general issues such as the theories, advantages and disadvantages of federalism, and the basis of
division of the country into the constituent units. Insufficient attention has so far been paid to the
technical aspects of federalism. There has been no high-level commission on restructuring as required
by the Interim Constitution.
At this backdrop, the need of stocktaking and mapping out the actions of various actors and
stakeholders involved with a view to gauging into the extent of preparedness to resolve the issues and
challenges associated with the transition to federalism have been felt. The study was conceptualized
in mapping out the actions of various actors/agencies and precisely ascertains the areas where focus
needs to be laid in navigating the process of transition to federalism.
Objectives
The overall objective of this study is to map out existing actions and future plans of actors involved
in supporting the process of navigating federalization in Nepal. However, the specific objectives of
this study are as follows:

To list out the ongoing actions of different stakeholders - donors, state and non state actors
to support the process of federalization in Nepal.

To explore plans of actors and stakeholders on federalization in Nepal especially with
reference to building necessary preparedness to help navigate the process of transition from
unitary to federation.

Methodology
This preliminary mapping exercise comprised of primary and secondary information. The primary
data were collected from key actors of federalism through checklist and the secondary information
was collected through relevant literatures related to federalism. IGD's study team prepared checklist
and finalize key actors of federalism in Nepal and then collected information obtained from
respondent’s agencies were presented in different tables, figures, and annexes.
Major Research Tools/Methods
The interview technique was used and conducted based on check list. The details of major actors of
federalism in Nepal are listed below.
Data Collection Procedure
The whole data were collected based on face-to-face interview with the respondents in their
office/residence with the help of check list.
Tentative Areas of Actions/Support

1. Knowledge production (KP) - Books, articles, reports, booklets, journals, study/research,
   etc.
2. Technical Assistance (TA) - Training, physical facilities (computer, printers, and materials),
   long term and short-term technical support, study/exposure visit, etc.
3. Consultation Meetings (CM) - Dialogue, seminar, workshop, awareness campaign, etc.

Policy Implications

Findings from this empirical study were presented at national policy roundtables and distributed to relevant ministries, parliamentary committees, and development partners to guide evidence-based policy making in Nepal.