Kathmandu, Aug. 6 -- Seven of Nepal's constitutional commissions established to safeguard the rights and interests of different communities, are facing growing criticism over their effectiveness. Commission officials and former office-bearers say chronic underfunding, weak legal mandates and government indifference have rendered them largely symbolic.

The commissions, created under Nepal's Constitution, were intended to ensure the protection, inclusion and advancement of women, Dalits, Indigenous peoples, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims and other marginalised groups. Instead, many now operate on barely enough funding to cover salaries and office expenses, while their recommendations to the government are routinely ignored.

The Constitution cr...