Successful Completion of the Workshop on Legal Recognition of Customary Institutions in Bardiya

The Workshop on Legal Recognition of Customary Governance System completed successfully with the active participation of local government representatives, Indigenous leaders, customary institutions, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders in Bardiya on 17 May 2026.
The program was chaired by Mr. Nava Raj Lama, Gen Secretary, CIPRED. The Chief Guest of the event was Mayor of Madhuwan Municipality, Mr. Tej Bahadur Bhat, while the Special Guest was Chairperson of NEFIN Bardiya, Mr. Megh Bahadur Gurung.
Ward Chairpersons from Thakurbaba Municipality including Mr. Nimraj Khanal (Ward 1), Mr. Kamal Chapai (Ward 2), Mr. Tek Bahadur Baduwal (Ward 8), and Ms. Radha Chaudhary (Ward 9) shared on the importance of recognizing Indigenous customary governance systems and strengthening community-based institutions.

The workshop was also attended by representatives from NTNC Bardiya, customary leaders from the Bhalmansa Association, Tharu Kalyankari Sabha, and various social activists and community leaders. 
The discussion emphasized the significance of ownership of customary governance systems by Tharu people itself, intergenerational knowledge transfer of customary governance system, legal recognition of customary institutions by the provincial government, collaborating with multiple stakeholders in preserving Indigenous identity, culture, traditional knowledge, social harmony, and sustainable natural resource management. Participants highlighted the need for policy dialogue and legal frameworks that respect and recognize Indigenous Peoples’ customary institutions and practices.