CNSUK Webinar Explores Evidence-Based Policy Making in Nepal

London, 28 April 2025 — The Centre for Nepal Studies UK (CNSUK) hosted a webinar today under its Nepal Dialogue UK Monthly Webinar Series, focusing on the topic “Scrutinising the Principles and Practices of Evidence-Based Policy Process in Nepal.”

The featured speaker was Dr Bishnu Raj Upreti, Research Director at the Nepal Centre for Contemporary Research and former Executive Chairperson of Nepal’s Policy Research Institute.

Moderated by Dr Krishna Adhikari, the session brought together scholars and policy enthusiasts to discuss the pressing need for a more structured and accountable policy-making process in Nepal.

Dr Upreti emphasised the importance of engaging key stakeholders in shaping public policy and highlighted the need for stronger institutional backing and legal frameworks. He underlined issues such as poor understanding of the public policy discourses, poor inter-ministerial coordination, limited policy ownership, and the influence of brokers and NGOs in distorting policy decisions.

Drawing from his experience, Dr Upreti also discussed the success and limitations of the Nepal Policy Institute, which despite facing bureaucratic resistance, has seen approximately 25% of its recommendations adopted by the government.

Dr Upreti advocated for a central autonomous research governance institution to provide funding, ensure access to research, and reduce duplication in policy formulation across different levels of government.

The discussion also stressed the importance of regular policy reviews every 5 to 6 years and called on the Parliament to take a more assertive role in addressing systemic gaps in policy-making.

The session concluded with a lively discussion on the importance of knowledge co-production and enhancing public understanding of the policy process in Nepal.