CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNSHIP
1.1 Background
The Government of Nepal has emphasized capacity
development and professional competence among civil servants to ensure
effective governance and quality public service delivery. As a part of this
objective, Nepal Administrative Staff College conducts Basic Administration
Training (BAT) for newly appointed officers.
The Basic Administration Training (BAT) has been
designed to equip newly appointed officers with the necessary knowledge,
skills, attitudes, and competencies required for effective public
administration. Internship forms a crucial component of the training program
because it provides participants with opportunities to observe and experience
actual administrative processes in government organizations.
The internship component of BAT serves as a
bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical administrative realities. It
allows officer trainees to observe governmental processes, understand
organizational culture, interact with service recipients, and gain firsthand
experience of administrative functions.
As part of the internship program, practical
exposure was obtained through placement in three public institutions: the
District Administration Office, Chitwan; Bharatpur Metropolitan City; and the
Land Administration Office, Chitwan. These organizations represent key pillars
of public administration at the district and local levels and provide diverse
experiences relating to governance, administration, revenue management,
judicial functions, development management, and service delivery.
The internship provided opportunities to
interact with public officials, observe office procedures, review relevant laws
and regulations, participate in assigned tasks, and analyze organizational
practices. The knowledge and experience gained through the internship are
expected to contribute significantly to professional effectiveness as a future
public administrator.
1.2 Objectives
of Internship
1.2.1 General
Objective
To gain practical knowledge and experience
regarding the functioning of public organizations, administrative procedures,
governance mechanisms, and public service delivery systems.
1.2.2 Specific Objectives
- To understand the organizational structure, objectives, and functions of government offices.
- To observe administrative procedures and service delivery mechanisms.
- To study the implementation of laws, policies, and regulations in public administration.
- To understand the roles and responsibilities of public officials.
- To examine accountability, transparency, and good governance practices.
- To learn about the use of information technology and digital governance systems.
- To analyze challenges encountered during service delivery and administrative operations.
- To enhance communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills through practical engagement.
- To develop professional attitudes and ethical values required in public service.
- To relate theoretical knowledge acquired during training with practical administrative realities.
1.3 Sources of
Information
The internship report is based on both primary
and secondary sources of information.
1.3.1 Primary Sources
- Direct observation of office activities.
- Participation in assigned tasks.
- Interaction with officials and employees.
- Informal discussions with service recipients.
- Observation of meetings and administrative processes.
- Field visits and office inspections.
1.3.2 Secondary Sources
- Relevant Acts, Rules, Regulations, Directives, and Procedures.
- Annual reports and organizational documents.
- Citizen charters and service standards.
- Office records and publications.
- Government websites and information systems.
- Training materials and official guidelines.
1.4 Scope and
Limitations
1.4.1.Scope
This internship encompasses an overall practical
study of Nepal’s public administration system through direct exposure to three
major institutions in Chitwan District: the District Administration Office
(DAO), Bharatpur Metropolitan City, and the Land Administration Office (LAO).
The internship focuses on understanding the structure, functions, and
operational procedures of these offices and how they collectively contribute to
governance, public service delivery, and local development.
The internship covers key areas such as
administrative decision-making, legal and procedural compliance, record
management, revenue administration, and coordination among different government
agencies. It also includes an in-depth observation of service delivery
processes related to citizenship services, land registration, dakhil kharej,
municipal services, and public grievance handling.
A significant part of the internship scope
involves studying the application of digital governance systems such as CCIMS,
LRIMS, DMS, biometric verification systems, and other e-governance tools used
to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service
delivery. The internship also provides exposure to challenges in public
administration, including procedural delays, inter-agency coordination issues,
digital transition constraints, and public awareness gaps.
In addition, the internship includes experiential
learning through observation, interaction with officials, and analysis of
administrative practices, which helps bridge theoretical knowledge with
real-world governance practices. However, the scope of the internship is
limited to observational and learning-based activities and does not include
authority for decision-making, policy formulation, or administrative execution.
1.4.2.Limitations
Despite providing valuable learning
opportunities, the internship had certain limitations:
The internship-based study is primarily
observational in nature and is limited to gaining practical exposure to the
functioning of public institutions rather than direct involvement in
administrative decision-making or policy implementation. As a result, the
findings are based on observation, interaction, and available information during
the internship period.
One of the main limitations is the restricted
access to certain confidential documents, records, and internal decision-making
processes due to administrative privacy and legal constraints. This limited the
depth of analysis in some technical and sensitive areas of public
administration. The duration of the internship was relatively short, which
constrained the opportunity to observe long-term administrative processes,
complex case handling, and policy-level implementations in detail. Similarly,
exposure to all divisions and specialized sections within the offices was
limited due to time and operational constraints.
Another limitation was the reliance on secondary
explanations from officials and staff, which may not fully capture all procedural
variations or exceptional cases in practice. In addition, high workload and
service pressure in the offices sometimes limited detailed interaction with
concerned personnel. Furthermore, the study is context-specific to Chitwan
District. It may not fully represent the practices of all public institutions
across Nepal, as administrative procedures and efficiency levels may vary by
region and office capacity. Despite these limitations, the internship provided
meaningful practical insights into public administration, service delivery
systems, and digital governance practices
CHAPTER 2: ASSIGNMENT IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, CHITWAN
2.1
Introduction of District Administration Office, Chitwan
2.1.1 Overview
The District Administration Office (DAO),
Chitwan, is a district-level field administration office under the Ministry of
Home Affairs, Government of Nepal. It functions as the principal administrative
authority in the district, responsible for maintaining law and order,
implementing government policies, coordinating federal, provincial, and local
government agencies, and delivering essential public services. The office is
headed by the Chief District Officer (CDO), supported by Assistant Chief
District Officers, Administrative Officers, section heads, and supporting staff
working in areas such as citizenship, passports, national identity cards, local
administration, institutional administration, judicial administration, and
disaster management.
The office operates through a structured
administrative system guided by prevailing laws, regulations, and government
directives. It is equipped with basic physical infrastructure, service
counters, record management facilities, internet connectivity, and computerized
systems that support efficient service delivery. Digital technologies,
including online passport and national identity card systems, have enhanced
administrative efficiency and transparency. The work culture emphasizes
professionalism, coordination, accountability, and public service. Citizen charters,
grievance-handling mechanisms, supervision, reporting systems, and compliance
with legal provisions promote accountability and responsiveness. Overall, the
District Administration Office, Chitwan, plays a vital role in ensuring
effective governance, public security, administrative coordination, and
citizen-centered service delivery within the district.
Major works at DAO, Chitwan
- Citizenship Administration: Responsible for the issuance, renewal, correction, verification, and management of citizenship certificates, including special citizenship cases and NRN citizenship processing.
- Passport Administration: Handles passport application verification, document authentication, biometric enrollment, and passport distribution services.
- Local Administration: Manages institutional registration and renewal, recommendation and certification services, minor identity cards, permit issuance, and arms license administration.
- Judicial and Administrative Functions: Conducts administrative hearings, processes complaints and investigations, exercises delegated judicial powers, implements court orders and decisions, and handles Firm Registration and Renewal.
- Disaster Management: Coordinates disaster preparedness, response, relief, recovery, and inter-agency collaboration during emergencies and natural disasters.
- Technology and Digital Governance: The office employs digital platforms, including CCIMS (Centralized Citizenship Information Management System), NID System, and the Passport Information System, to streamline service delivery, record management, verification, and administrative processes. These systems have improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency while reducing opportunities for errors and duplication.
2.2 Major Job Responsibilities at DAO, Chitwan.
- Citizenship Section: Observed citizenship application processing, document verification, legal procedures, and CCIMS-based record management including pratilipi citizenship handling.
- Passport Section: Observed passport application verification, pre-enrollment, document validation, and biometric enrollment procedures.
- Local Administration Section: Reviewed institution registration and renewal processes, minor identity card procedures, and recommendation and certification services.
- Judicial and Case Administration: Observed administrative case handling, legal provision review, file management practices, and implementation of judicial decisions.
- Disaster Management and Coordination: Understood district disaster management mechanisms, coordination roles of the DAO, and inter-agency cooperation during emergencies.
2.2.1
A Small Contribution to Organization
At
the District Administration Office (DAO), Chitwan, the Ministry of Home Affairs
had issued a circular regarding Business Process Re-engineering (BPR).
Following this directive, the Chief District Officer assigned us the
responsibility of preparing a report on it.
In
line with the assignment, we reviewed the existing service delivery system of
the DAO and identified areas for improvement. Our focus was on enhancing
efficiency, simplifying procedures, reducing unnecessary documentation, and
improving overall service delivery.
We
proposed several key reforms, including:
- Simplification of
administrative procedures
- Reduction of required documents
for service delivery
- “One-door submission” system,
where citizens could submit documents either at the Ward Office or the
DAO, but not both
- Service-oriented layout
redesign to make the office more citizen-friendly
- Improvement and updating of the
Citizen Charter for better clarity and transparency
- Introduction of a token system
to manage queues efficiently
- Provision of adequate waiting
and resting areas for service seekers
- Display of sufficient
information and notices for better public guidance
After
preparing the report, it was discussed in detail within the office. Based on
the discussion, the report was finalized and submitted to the Ministry.
It
was a positive and encouraging experience for us that the Chief District
Officer trusted our suggestions and also implemented several of the recommended
improvements. Seeing these changes being reflected in the actual service
delivery system gave us a strong sense of satisfaction and motivation.
2.3
Problems/Issues in Task Performance
- Complexity of citizenship and
administrative cases often requires extensive legal and documentary
verification, leading to delays in processing.
- Incomplete, inconsistent, or
mismatched personal documents frequently create challenges in verification
and slow down service delivery.
- High volume of service seekers
for citizenship, passports, and other administrative services increases
workload and results in longer waiting times.
- Administrative procedures are
often complex and require compliance with multiple laws, regulations, and
directives, making decision-making time-consuming.
- Weak or delayed inter-agency
coordination among government offices affects the efficiency and
timeliness of service delivery.
- Limited public awareness about
required documents and procedures leads to repeated visits and unnecessary
administrative burden.
- Infrastructure limitations,
including space, equipment, and physical facilities, affect the overall
efficiency of service delivery.
- Despite digital systems,
technical issues, system downtime, and incomplete integration still hinder
smooth service operation.
- Human resource constraints and
workload pressure affect the speed and quality of administrative services.
- Record management challenges,
including errors, duplication, and outdated data, create difficulties in
maintaining accurate and reliable administrative records.
2.4 Our Initiatives to Solve Problems/Issues
- Actively studied relevant laws (Citizenship Act, DRRM Act, Local Administration Act, National ID and Civil Registration Act etc.), regulations, and procedural guidelines to understand the legal framework governing administrative functions and service delivery.
- Maintained systematic notes on office procedures, legal provisions, and service delivery mechanisms to strengthen learning and analytical understanding.
- Regularly consulted experienced officials and section heads to clarify procedural and legal issues for accurate comprehension of administrative processes.
- Observed citizen service interactions to understand common challenges faced by service seekers and improve awareness of citizen-centered service delivery.
- Developed practical understanding of digital governance systems such as CCIMS, passport management systems, NID System and other administrative platforms.
- Conducted continuous observational analysis of administrative procedures to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement.
- Enhanced communication skills by interacting with staff and service recipients in a professional and supportive manner.
- Improved understanding of documentation and verification processes through direct observation of real administrative cases.
- Strengthened problem-solving and analytical thinking skills by linking theoretical knowledge with real-time administrative practices.
- Fostered professional ethics and responsibility by observing discipline, accountability, and service-oriented behavior in public institutions.
2.5
Learning Reflection & Recommendation
2.5.1
Learning Reflection
The internship provided valuable practical insights
into citizen-centered service delivery and the functioning of public
administration in Nepal. It enhanced understanding of how public institutions
strive to ensure accessibility, transparency, efficiency, and accountability
while delivering services to citizens. The experience highlighted that
administrative decisions must be based on relevant laws, regulations,
established procedures, and sufficient documentary evidence to maintain
fairness, legality, and public trust. It also demonstrated the critical
importance of accurate documentation and systematic record management in
ensuring accountability, transparency, institutional memory, and continuity of
government operations.
Furthermore, the internship offered firsthand
exposure to digital governance systems such as the CCIMS, online passport
services, biometric verification systems, NID System and other digital
platforms. These systems have significantly improved the efficiency, accuracy,
and transparency of public service delivery while reducing procedural delays
and paperwork. Another important lesson learned was the significance of
coordination and teamwork among government agencies, local bodies, security
institutions, and other stakeholders, as effective governance largely depends
on strong inter-agency collaboration and communication.
From a professional perspective, the internship
reinforced the importance of ethical conduct in public service. Values such as
integrity, impartiality, accountability, predictability, professionalism, and
commitment to public welfare were observed as essential components of effective
administration. Overall, the experience contributed significantly to both
personal and professional development by strengthening practical knowledge,
analytical abilities, communication skills, and understanding of administrative
processes.
Looking ahead, the internship has inspired a
commitment to promoting greater utilization of digital technologies, enhancing
citizen awareness, strengthening institutional coordination, encouraging evidence-based
decision-making, and pursuing continuous professional development and
innovation to improve the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery.
2.5.2. Recommendation for what can be done things differently.
- DAO Chitwan should strengthen end-to-end digital service integration by unifying all administrative services into a single platform to improve efficiency and reduce manual work.
- A real-time application tracking system should be introduced to allow citizens to monitor their service status transparently and reduce repeated office visits.
- A well-trained citizen facilitation desk should be established to guide service seekers on procedures, documents, and digital systems for smoother service delivery.
- Inter-agency digital coordination with local bodies, land offices, and security agencies should be improved through shared databases to speed up verification and decision-making.
- A regular feedback and performance monitoring system should be implemented to ensure accountability, improve service quality, and enhance citizen satisfaction.
CHAPTER 3: ASSIGNMENT IN BHARATPUR METROPOLITAN CITY
3.1
Introduction of Bharatpur Metropolitan City
3.1.1 Overview
Bharatpur Metropolitan City is one of the largest
metropolitan cities in Nepal and functions as a major administrative, economic,
educational, and health hub of Bagmati Province under the federal governance
system. It is responsible for delivering local government services and
implementing constitutionally assigned powers through various departments and
units covering areas such as infrastructure development, revenue
administration, education, health, agriculture, disaster management,
environment, justice, and public service delivery. During the internship,
exposure to different departments and sections of the metropolitan office
provided a practical understanding of local governance and its functioning
within Nepal’s federal structure.
3.1.2
Organizational Structure
The Metropolitan City is headed politically by
the Mayor and administratively by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
During the internship period:
- Acting Mayor: Chitrasen Adhikari
- Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Mr. Birendra Dev Bharti
- Head of Administration Section: Mr. Sheshkanta Paudel
The organization functions through several major divisions and sections, including:
- Administration Division
- Economic Administration Division
- Planning and Monitoring Division
- Infrastructure Development Division
- Education Division
- Health and Social Development Division
- Agriculture Development Division
- Veterinary Services Division
- Environment Division
- Revenue Division
- Judicial Committee Secretariat
- Disaster Management Section
- Procurement Unit
- Information Technology Section
- Culture, Tourism and Heritage Conservation Section
- Municipal Police
- Employment Service Centre
- Pragya Pratishthan
3.2 Major Job
Responsibilities at BMC
During the internship period, assignments involved observe, learning, and analysis of activities carried out by different divisions and sections of the Metropolitan City.
- Employment Service Centre: Registers unemployed individuals and manages employment programs, skill training coordination, labor information services, and migrant worker support systems such as FEWIMS, FEMIS, and FNMIS.
- Disaster Management Division: Manages disaster preparedness, response, rescue, relief, and coordination activities under relevant disaster risk reduction laws and municipal committees.
- Pragya Pratishthan: Promotes literature, language, arts, and culture through publications, awards, research programs, and literary events under its governing Act.
- Administration Division: Handles human resource management, staff administration, records, training, and coordination of municipal governance processes.
- Economic Administration Division: Manages municipal budgeting, financial administration, accounting, and internal control systems for public funds.
- Procurement Unit: Conducts public procurement processes including cost estimation, bidding, evaluation, contract management, and e-bidding compliance.
- Revenue Division: Collects local taxes and revenues such as property, business, land tax, rental, and market fees to support municipal finance.
- Judicial Committee Secretariat: Handles local disputes through complaint registration, mediation, and case management under the Local Government Operation Act.
- Building Permit and Urban Development Division: Regulates building construction through permits, inspections, code enforcement, and compliance with urban planning standards.
- Planning and Monitoring Division: Formulates, monitors, and evaluates development projects through technical supervision, public hearings, and audits.
- Agriculture Development Division: Enhances agricultural productivity through subsidies, training, mechanization, irrigation support, and cooperative-based programs.
- Veterinary Services Division: Provides animal health services including disease control, artificial insemination, breed improvement, and livestock extension programs.
- Environment Division: Works on environmental conservation, waste management, urban greenery, pollution control, and environmental monitoring.
- Health and Social Development Division: Implements public health programs including immunization, disease control, maternal health, nutrition, and outreach services.
- Municipal Police and Emergency Services: Provides emergency response, fire control, rescue operations, and disaster preparedness in coordination with security agencies.
3.3 Problems/Issues in Task Performance
- Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Pressure: Rapid population growth has increased pressure on roads, drainage, waste management, water supply, transportation, and urban planning systems.
- Disaster Risk and Climate Vulnerability: Frequent floods, erosion, fire, and other hazards continue to challenge disaster preparedness despite existing mechanisms.
- Waste Management Challenges: Increasing waste generation, limited landfill capacity, and weak segregation practices create serious environmental management issues.
- Human Resource Management Issues: Shortages and imbalances of technical staff in key sectors such as engineering, IT, environment, and veterinary services affect efficiency.
- Revenue Collection Challenges: Expanding the tax base, updating records, and improving compliance remain major challenges in revenue administration.
- Project Implementation Delays: Development projects are often delayed due to procurement issues, contractor performance, land acquisition, and external factors.
- Legal and Jurisdictional Issues: Disputes, unclear legal interpretations, and lack of public awareness affect judicial and administrative decision-making.
- Environmental Challenges: Rising air, noise, and river pollution, along with encroachment and urban degradation, threaten environmental sustainability.
- Digital Governance Challenges: Limited system integration, technical capacity gaps, and low user awareness hinder effective digital service delivery.
- Coordination Challenges: Weak coordination among federal, provincial, local bodies, and stakeholders sometimes leads to delays and duplication of efforts.
3.4 Initiatives
to solve problems
Although the internship period did not involve formal decision-making authority, various efforts were made to maximize learning and contribute positively to organizational activities.
- Systematic Observation and Documentation: Maintained detailed notes on organizational structure, procedures, legal provisions, service delivery mechanisms, and governance practices for better understanding and analysis.
- Study of Legal and Policy Frameworks: Reviewed key laws and regulations such as the Local Government Operation Act, Disaster Risk Reduction Act, and Public Procurement Act to understand municipal governance.
- Interaction with Officials: Engaged with administrative and technical staff to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical administrative functioning.
- Exposure to Multiple Divisions: Observed various municipal divisions and sections, including revenue, planning, procurement, health, education, and disaster management, to gain a broad understanding of local governance.
- Learning Digital Governance Systems: Gained familiarity with systems like LGPAS, e-attendance, digital planning, and revenue management platforms supporting e-governance.
- Analysis of Best Practices: Identified good governance practices such as citizen-centered service delivery, public hearings, audits, disaster preparedness, and community participation.
- Professional Skill Development: Developed communication, analytical thinking, legal interpretation, and public service orientation skills.
- Understanding Federal Governance in Practice: Learned that local governments are powerful institutions responsible for planning, implementation, regulation, and direct citizen services.
- Importance of Citizen-Centered Governance: Recognized that effective governance depends on accessibility, transparency, accountability, participation, and responsiveness.
- Planning and Budgeting as Foundations of Development: Understood that development activities are guided by plans, budgets, monitoring, and evaluation systems.
- \Importance of Revenue Mobilization: Learned that strong internal revenue generation is essential for local government autonomy and sustainable development.
- Learning about Disaster Governance: Understood that disaster management requires preparedness, prevention, response, recovery, coordination, and community participation.
- Role of Technology in Governance: Recognized that digital governance improves efficiency, transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
- Importance of Interdisciplinary Administration: Learned that local governance requires coordination across multiple sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and environment.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Improved confidence, communication, ethics, and problem-solving skills essential for public service careers.
3.5. Learning
reflection
The internship at Bharatpur Metropolitan City
provided a valuable opportunity to understand the practical aspects of local
governance, service delivery, and administrative management. It enhanced
understanding of efficient service processes where timely documentation,
procedural accuracy, inter-departmental coordination, and digital systems
collectively improve transparency and efficiency. The experience also provided
insight into citizen-centered governance, professional working culture, and the
importance of discipline, hierarchy, teamwork, and accountability in public
institutions. Exposure to different divisions further strengthened knowledge of
planning, budgeting, revenue management, legal procedures, and digital
governance, while also improving professional skills such as communication,
time management, ethics, and problem-solving. Overall, the internship
strengthened both theoretical understanding and practical capacity required for
effective public administration.
During the internship, a small but meaningful
contribution was made through discussions with officials regarding
administrative and legal practices, particularly in the Judicial Committee
Secretariat. While exploring procurement-related practices, it was observed
that although federal laws govern procurement, local governments also have
legal scope under the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 to formulate their
own procurement regulation. It was further discussed that absence of clear
local procurement regulation in certain revenue-based contracts may create
procedural ambiguity. In this context, it was suggested that adopting model
procurement regulations provided by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General
Administration could help ensure clarity and consistency. This discussion was
positively noted by concerned officials and contributed to initiating
reflection on the need for improved procurement regulatory frameworks at the
local level.
3.5.1. Recommendation for doing work differently at BMC, Bharatpur.
- Expand e-governance initiatives to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility of municipal services.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness systems through effective early warning mechanisms and community-based response programs.
- Improve urban planning with scientific land-use management and sustainable control of urban expansion.
- Upgrade waste management and sanitation systems to ensure a clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly city.
- Enhance coordination with academic and research institutions to promote evidence-based policymaking and innovation.
- Strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability and effective use of public resources.
- Increase citizen participation in municipal decision-making to ensure inclusive and responsive governance.
- Prioritize balanced infrastructure development to support sustainable urban growth and reduce urban pressure.
CHAPTER 4: ASSIGNMENT IN LAND ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, CHITWAN
4.1
Introduction of Land Administration Office, Chitwan
4.1.1 Overview
The Land Administration Office (Malpot Office),
Chitwan, is one of the most important government institutions responsible for
land administration, land registration, revenue collection, record management,
and implementation of land-related laws. The office operates under the
Department of Land Management and Archives, Ministry of Land Management,
Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation.
Land administration plays a vital role in
protecting property rights, facilitating land transactions, maintaining land
records, mobilizing government revenue, and ensuring legal certainty regarding
land ownership. The office serves as the primary institution responsible for
maintaining and updating land ownership records within its jurisdiction.
During the internship period, extensive learning
opportunities were obtained regarding land registration procedures, dakhil
kharej, ownership transfer, record verification, land valuation, digital
land administration systems, and land-related legal provisions.
4.1.2 Vision
and Objectives
The major objectives of the Land Administration Office include:
- Protection of land ownership rights.
- Maintenance of accurate land records.
- Collection of land-related revenue.
- Facilitation of lawful land transactions.
- Prevention of fraud and illegal land dealings.
- Modernization of land administration through digital systems.
- Efficient delivery of land administration services.
The office consists of several functional sections, including:
- Registration Section
- Record (Moth) Section
- Revenue Section
- Administration Section
- Case Administration Section
- Dakhil Kharej Section
- Rokka/Fukuwa Section
- Digital Information System Unit
4.1.3 Digital Governance and Information Systems
- LRIMS (Land Records Information Management System): Manages digital land records including ownership, registration, revenue, transactions, and verification to improve efficiency, transparency, and accuracy.
- DMS (Digital Management System): Provides digital storage, retrieval, verification, and archiving of land records, reducing reliance on manual documentation.
- PAM (Public Access Module: It is an online service system introduced by Department of Land Management and Archive (DoLMA) that allows citizens to securely and continently apply for land transaction and ownership transfer from home or via authorized Bhu-Sewa Kendras.
- Biometric Verification: Ensures secure identity and ownership authentication to prevent fraud and strengthen reliability in land transactions.
- Rokka (Restriction): Imposes legal or administrative restrictions on land transactions based on court orders, disputes, or government decisions until clearance.
- Fukuwa (Release): Lifts restrictions on land after legal clearance, allowing normal transactions to proceed.
- Both rokka and fukka are done online by banks and Court.
- Ownership Transfer After Death (Sesh paachhi ko bakas): Transfers land ownership to legal heirs through verification of legal documents, notices, and field investigation.
- Record Correction: Updates and corrects errors in land records such as name, address, area, or ownership details based on verified documents.
- Home Registration (Ghar Kayam): Records residential structures in land records through verification of ownership, tax, building approval, and local recommendations.
"Kirte Naparos,
Rajaswa Namaros"
4.2 Major Job Responsibilities at LAO
- Land Registration (Registration Section): Handles land ownership transfer and transaction registration through document verification, fee collection, ownership updating, and digital record management.
- Record Management (Moth Section): Maintains and authenticates land ownership records by verifying, updating, and correcting both digital and physical land documents to prevent fraud.
- Dakhil Kharij: Updates ownership records by cancelling previous entries and creating new ones based on sale, inheritance, court decisions, or land partition.
- Halsaabik Process: Updates land records after resurvey by aligning historical ownership data with current survey maps and legal ownership status.
- Revenue Collection: Collects registration fees, service charges, land revenue, capital gains tax, and other statutory fees under applicable laws.
- Case Administration: Manages land-related disputes, record corrections, appeals, and implementation of court and administrative decisions.
- Rokka/ Fukuwa: legal or administrative restrictions and lifts on land transactions based on court orders, disputes, or government decisions until clearance via online.
4.3 Problems of
LAO
During our internship, we observed the following problems at LAO, Chitwan. The problems there were not only for the officials but also for the service seeker and local public.
- Complexity and inconsistency in historical land records, including mismatched maps and incomplete data, create difficulties in verification and updating.
- Frequent errors in ownership details such as names, addresses, citizenship information, and plot descriptions lead to repeated correction requests and delays.
- Increasing land disputes related to ownership, boundaries, inheritance, and partition add significant workload and require coordination with judicial bodies.
- Risks of fraud and forgery, including fake documents and manipulated records, demand strict verification and monitoring mechanisms.
- High daily service demand for registration, Dakhil kharej, and verification services results in congestion and longer processing times.
- Weak inter-agency coordination with survey offices, courts, and local bodies often delays administrative decisions and service delivery.
- Challenges in digital transformation, including data migration issues and system integration problems, affect smooth operation of services.
- Limited public awareness regarding legal procedures and documentation requirements leads to confusion and repeated office visits.
- Insufficient or outdated record management practices in some cases reduce efficiency and accuracy in land administration.
- Resource constraints, including limited staffing and infrastructure, affect the overall capacity of the office to deliver timely services.
- Due to the Gen-Z protest the main building was burnt and all the files and resources were burnt to asses which created resource lackness creating problems to provide easy and efficient service.
4.4 Initiatives
to solve problems
Although the internship period did not involve formal administrative authority, efforts were made to maximize learning and contribute positively to organizational activities.
- Systematic Study of Land Laws: Studied key Land Administration laws such as Malpot Act, 2034; Land Act, 2021; Land Acquisition Act, 2034; Nepal Trust Act, 2064; Land Administration Directives, 2081; Guthi Corporation Act, 2033
- Learning Digital Land Administration Systems: Gained understanding of LRIMS, DMS, PAM, and biometric systems that support transparency, efficiency, and digital governance.
- Observation of Record Verification Procedures: Observed ownership verification, dakhil kharej, registration, and restriction processes used to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.
- Interaction with Officials: Engaged with officials to understand legal provisions, operational practices, and administrative challenges.
- Documentation and Note Preparation: Maintained systematic notes on procedures, laws, and service delivery mechanisms to support structured learning.
- Comparative Learning: Compared traditional and digital systems to understand improvements, limitations, and implementation challenges in land administration.
- Understanding Property Rights: Learned that land administration is fundamentally focused on protecting property rights, ensuring legal certainty, and preventing disputes.
- Law and Administration Relationship: Understood that land administration requires strict legal authority, documentation, and procedural compliance in all decisions.
- Importance of Accurate Records: Recognized that accurate land records are essential for ownership protection, revenue collection, and dispute prevention through the Moth Bhidan.
- Role of Technology in Land Governance: Observed that digital systems improve efficiency, transparency, security, and accessibility in land administration.
- Importance of Verification and Due Diligence: Learned that strict verification is essential to prevent fraud and ensure legally sound decisions.
- Revenue Protection and Public Interest: Understood the dual responsibility of protecting property rights and safeguarding public revenue in land administration.
- Professional and Personal Development: Improved legal understanding, analytical thinking, documentation skills, and overall professional confidence in public administration.
4.5
Learning reflection and Recommendation
4.5.1
Learning Reflection
During the internship at the Land Administration
Office (LAO), Chitwan, we gained valuable practical exposure to the functioning
of Nepal’s land administration system. The experience helped us understand how
land registration, dakhil kharej, record verification, revenue
collection, and dispute management are carried out in accordance with legal
provisions and administrative procedures. It bridged the gap between
theoretical knowledge and real administrative practice, especially in areas
related to land laws and public service delivery.
One of the most important learnings was the
significance of accurate land records in protecting property rights, ensuring
legal certainty, and preventing disputes. We also observed how digital systems
such as LRIMS, DMS, PAM and biometric verification have improved transparency,
efficiency, and reliability in service delivery, although challenges still
exist in full digital integration and data accuracy.
The internship further highlighted the importance
of strict verification, inter-agency coordination, and adherence to legal
procedures in all administrative decisions. We also learned that land
administration is not only a technical process but also a highly sensitive
public service involving trust, accountability, and public interest.
Overall, this experience enhanced our
understanding of legal frameworks, administrative procedures, documentation
practices, and professional ethics. It strengthened our analytical thinking and
provided a strong foundation for future work in public administration and
governance.
4.5.2
Recommendation for doing things differently at LAO, Chitwan
- Complete digitization of all historical land records
should be prioritized to reduce reliance on physical files and improve
efficiency in service delivery.
- Public access to essential information such as
procedures, required documents, service fees, and processing timelines
should be made simpler and more transparent.
- Strong fraud prevention mechanisms, including advanced
verification systems and regular audits, should be implemented to minimize
risks of forgery and illegal transactions.
- Continuous capacity building programs should be
provided to staffs and land service providers focusing on digital systems,
legal updates, customer service, and land administration reforms.
- Coordination with survey offices and local governments should be enhanced through effective information sharing to reduce delays and improve accuracy in land services.
- Real-time integration of land administration systems (LRIMS, DMS, PAM and related platforms) should be strengthened to ensure accurate, updated, and synchronized land records.
- Citizen service delivery should be further improved by introducing appointment systems, queue management, and faster grievance handling mechanisms.
- Regular monitoring, supervision, and performance evaluation systems should be implemented to ensure accountability, reduce delays, and improve overall institutional efficiency.
CHAPTER 5: OVERALL IMPRESSION AND CONCLUSION
The
internship programme conducted at the District Administration Office (DAO),
Chitwan, Bharatpur Metropolitan City, and Land Administration Office, Chitwan,
provided a comprehensive understanding of Nepal’s public administration and
governance system. The experience successfully connected theoretical concepts
studied in NASC with practical administrative processes, enabling a deeper
appreciation of how public institutions function to serve citizens and
implement government policies.
Throughout
the internship, valuable insights were gained into administrative procedures,
legal compliance mechanisms, public service delivery systems, digital
governance practices, and intergovernmental coordination. The exposure
demonstrated that effective governance requires not only a sound legal
framework but also efficient institutional processes, technological innovation,
competent human resources, and strong coordination among government agencies.
The
internship further revealed that public institutions in Nepal are gradually
embracing digital transformation through various information management
systems, which have significantly improved transparency, record management, and
service efficiency. However, challenges such as procedural complexity, system
integration issues, limited public awareness, and resource constraints continue
to affect the overall effectiveness of service delivery.
One of the major impressions gained was the
complexity and importance of administrative services that directly affect
citizens’ daily lives. Services such as citizenship, land registration,
municipal development, revenue administration, disaster management, and
employment services are highly structured and legally guided. Each process
requires accuracy, documentation, verification, and inter-agency coordination,
making public service delivery both challenging and highly significant.
The internship also highlighted the increasing
role of digital systems in governance. Platforms such as CCIMS, LRIMS, DMS, and
other e-governance tools have improved transparency, efficiency, and record
management. However, issues such as system integration, technical limitations,
and public awareness gaps still require further improvement to achieve fully
effective digital governance.
Based
on the observations made during the internship, it is suggested that government
institutions continue to strengthen digital governance initiatives, simplify
administrative procedures where legally feasible, enhance coordination among
agencies, and invest in capacity-building programmes for public officials.
Greater emphasis should also be placed on citizen awareness and accessibility
to ensure that public services are delivered in a more efficient, transparent,
and citizen-centered manner.
In
conclusion, the internship was an enriching and professionally rewarding
experience that enhanced practical knowledge, analytical abilities,
communication skills, and understanding of public administration. It provided
meaningful exposure to the realities of governance and public service while
fostering a greater sense of responsibility toward effective and accountable
administration. The knowledge and experience gained during this internship will
serve as a strong foundation for future professional development in the public
administration.
