Role of the Secretariat Operation and Management Committee in Nepal's Parliament
Introduction
The Secretariat Operation and Management Committee is a pivotal body in Nepal’s Parliament, chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), tasked with ensuring the efficient operation of the parliamentary secretariat. Established under Article 107 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS (2015), for the federal Parliament and Article 195 for provincial assemblies, this committee provides managerial leadership, oversees resources, and enhances legislative effectiveness. It coordinates between the HoR, National Assembly (NA), parliamentary committees, and external entities, ensuring smooth parliamentary functions.
Example: In 2025, the committee streamlined the federal Parliament’s digital infrastructure, enabling virtual committee meetings to enhance efficiency during budget sessions.
Composition of the Committee
As per Rule 244(1) of the House of Representatives Rules, 2079 BS (2022), and Rule 223(1) of the National Assembly Rules, 2075 BS (2018), the committee is a joint body of both houses, comprising:
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Speaker (HoR) | Chairperson |
| Chairperson (NA) | Member (Chairs in Speaker’s absence) |
| Deputy Speaker (HoR) | Member |
| Vice-Chairperson (NA) | Member |
| Secretary-General | Member |
| Secretary (HoR) | Member |
| Secretary (NA) | Member |
| Secretariat Secretary (Parliamentary Study and Research) | Member |
| Secretariat Secretary (Administration) | Member Secretary |
Roles of the Secretariat Operation and Management Committee
The committee ensures the autonomous and self-governing federal Parliament secretariat operates effectively, enhancing legislative capacity. Its roles are categorized as follows:
Policy-Making Role
- Formulate policies for secretariat operations and management.
- Prepare annual budgets and programs for Parliament and secretariat.
- Establish expenditure standards for parliamentary operations.
- Develop policies for infrastructure development and improvements.
Coordination and Collaboration Role
- Foster coordination among HoR, NA, parliamentary committees, and joint committees.
- Collaborate with provincial assemblies for seamless operations.
- Engage with foreign parliaments, Inter-Parliamentary Union, Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, SAARC Speakers’ Forum, and other international bodies.
- Coordinate with the government, Council of Ministers, and other agencies as needed.
Human Resource Management Role
- Determine staff structure and job descriptions for the secretariat.
- Manage staff career development and benefits.
- Enhance capacity of officials, MPs, and staff through training.
Research Role
- Conduct or facilitate research to improve parliamentary functions.
Managerial Role
- Prepare annual work plans for Parliament and committees in coordination with the government.
- Manage resources, providing leadership, direction, and oversight.
- Facilitate the work of Speaker, Chairperson, Secretary-General, committee chairs, and secretaries.
Supervisory Role
- Oversee, control, and supervise parliamentary and secretariat operations.
Example: In 2024, the committee coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to secure funding for a new parliamentary research wing, enhancing legislative analysis.
Challenges in the Committee’s Role
- Inability to effectively coordinate with the Finance Minister for budget allocation.
- Failure to fully implement staff job descriptions.
- Limited opportunities for capacity-building of officials and staff.
- Insufficient efforts to develop parliamentary expertise.
- Weak coordination among thematic committees.
- Lack of progress in technology transfer and research activities.
- Inadequate mobilization of the Federal Parliament Development Fund.
- Limited vibrant collaboration between federal and provincial assemblies.
- Poor implementation of annual work plans.
- Lack of dynamism, accountability, and proactiveness in operations.
- Reluctance to fully exercise assigned duties and powers.
Example: In 2023, delays in implementing the annual work plan hindered timely committee reviews, affecting legislative efficiency.
Recommendations for Improvement
Recommendations:
- Proactively coordinate with the Finance Minister for budget and program allocation.
- Develop and enforce clear staff job descriptions with regular monitoring.
- Conduct specialized training programs for officials, MPs, and staff.
- Promote research and expertise development through dedicated initiatives.
- Enhance regular interactions and joint meetings among committees and houses.
- Create a strategic plan to maximize the Federal Parliament Development Fund.
- Strengthen collaboration between federal and provincial assemblies through digital platforms.
- Develop and strictly enforce annual work plans.
- Increase dynamism and accountability through institutional reforms.
- Encourage proactive use of the committee’s duties and powers.
- Establish partnerships with global parliamentary networks for knowledge and technology transfer.
- Leverage digital tools (e.g., management dashboards) for efficient operations.
Comparative Insights
Nepal’s Secretariat Operation and Management Committee is similar to India’s Lok Sabha Secretariat Committee, which oversees administrative efficiency, but Nepal’s committee has a broader role in coordinating with provincial assemblies. Unlike the UK’s House of Commons Commission, which focuses heavily on digital transformation, Nepal’s committee is still developing its technological capabilities, a gap that needs addressing.
Conclusion
The Secretariat Operation and Management Committee is crucial for the efficient functioning of Nepal’s Parliament, ensuring resource management, coordination, and legislative support. As of 2025, addressing challenges like weak coordination and limited expertise through digital tools, training, and proactive leadership will enhance its effectiveness, strengthening Nepal’s parliamentary democracy.
References
- Constitution of Nepal, 2072 BS (2015)
- House of Representatives Rules, 2079 BS (2022)
- National Assembly Rules, 2075 BS (2018)