The World Bank defines NGOs "as a wide variety of groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of governments, and characterized primarily by humanitarian or cooperative, rather than commercial objectives.

In different countries various terms are used for NGOs, such as private voluntary organizations in the United States, civil organizations in Latin America, voluntary development drganizations in Africa and peoples’ organizations in some parts of Asia .The World Bank treats them as private or voluntary organizations. These different terminologies denote what is referred to as NGOs in Nepal. Social Welfare Council (SWC) and NGOs Federation are the NGOs' apex body in Nepal.

Participants receive training in making bamboo furniture.

Rural people meet to discuss issues
The concept of a non-governmental organization (NGO) is not new to the Nepalese people. Ancient social institutions like Guthi, Dhikuri, Parma, Dharmabhakari, Murdaguthi, Pujaguthi, Pati, Pauwa, Kuwa * can be considered now as NGOs in the Nepalese context. Similarly, today, NGOs can play a pivotal role in the national development.

Different kinds of bills like Societies registration Act 1962, Foreign Currency Exchange Act 1962 and Muluki Ain Act 1962 (Civil Laws; amended several times), Village Development Committee Act 1965, Children Act 1972, National Directives Act. 1977,Social Welfare Act 1987,Company Act 1991,Municipality Act 1991,District Development Act 1991 Cooperative Act 1992 and Handicapped Protection and Welfare Act 1992 have been passed. There are various kinds of rules and regulations in this sector, but the implementation is poor.

 

 

 

Now, NGO Networking is going to publish a monthly national magazine in Nepal, which represents the collective voice of NGOs from 75 districts of Nepal. This magazine's main objective will be to analyze the government's policies and programmes for the promotion of NGOs.

* Guthi, Dhikuri, Parma, Dharmabhakari, Murdaguthi, Pujaguthi- Rotating credit associations or self-help banks run by different communities.

* Pati, Pauwa- A cottage is built by the local community with trees planted for shade which provides rest for tired travellers.

* Kuwa- Wells are dug by the community for drinking water.