Nepal, July 27 -- Maiwakhola Rural Municipality in Taplejung has introduced a new directive making public hearings mandatory for the rural municipality, ward offices, non-governmental organizations and other public bodies implementing programs within the municipality in coordination with the local government.

Under the Public Hearing Operation Procedure 2083, introduced to ensure transparency, accountability and responsiveness in public service delivery, the municipality and all ward offices must hold public hearings every four months.

The directive also requires public hearings under special circumstances. If authorities fail to organize one, at least 25 percent of members of the municipal assembly, or 25 percent of stakeholders invol...