'Create link between think tank and policy makers'

Kathmandu, Jan. 31: The bridge between the think tank and policymakers is missing, said experts on Wednesday. 

“Nepal does not have well-established think tank institutions. The political leaders and policymakers should be updated about the new development models because the domestic public policy should be based on international policies,” said Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, former vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission at an interaction on ‘Why think tank matter: making people-centred public policy’. 

He stated that the government should create a platform for the better functioning of the think tank.

According to him, the Social Welfare Council (SWC) should be restructured as it was established in line with the welfare concept, but the country now needs a regulatory body. 

Dr. Bishnu Dev Pant, Executive Director of the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), organiser of the event, said that it was unfortunate that donor-driven activities are happening and studies are largely sponsored by the donors. 

He expressed concern over the scarcity of resources for the research and development in the country.

“Even to implement a small project, additional money should be spent to lubricate the government agencies, such as the District Administrative Office and SWC. It is very discouraging,” he said. 

Former Minister Ganesh Shah said that the culture of research and development should be established in all sectors in the country. 

According to him, the think tanks should give priority to food, energy and water. 

Former member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Govind Nepal said that implementing the election manifesto of political parties was challenging due to unrealistic policies and programmes, and it needs feedback from policy research.

“The government should fund at least 10 policy think tanks, and such organisations should function independently, without government interference,” he said. 

Dr. Pushpa Raj Rajkarnikar, chairperson of the Institute for Policy Research and Development, said that the think tanks are losing credibility due to overt political affiliation.

However, he maintained that the think tank should not be political party-neutral, but they should maintain intellectual integrity and transparency. 

Dr. Ram Manohar Shrestha, Professor Emeritus at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, said that think tanks should be able to propose alternatives.

“They should be proactive and be able to predict the future,” he said. 

Dr. Khatiwada released the 11^th edition of the Global Go to Think Tank Index Report on the occasion. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 February 2018.