The SP&PFM Programme in Nepal
The ILO highlighted that 32.9 per cent of Nepalis had access to at least one social protection benefit in 2020–21. And while this reflects progress, more than 20 million others remain without any access to social security. Honourable Ram Kumar Phuyal, a member of the National Planning Commission who chaired the workshop, stressed the importance of “extending social protection for all [as] a key step to recognizing the vision of [Nepal’s] Constitution.” HE Nona Deprez, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nepal, made the opening remarks.
In addition to addressing coverage gaps, the discussion also covered the adequacy of benefits and the expenditures of social security programmes in Nepal in terms of the need for a robust and financially sustainable social protection system. The participants also highlighted the need for the expansion of social protection initiatives for working-age persons and an integrated social protection mechanism for programmes, including the need for coordination between non-contributory and contributory mechanisms. The workshop concluded positively, emphasising the opportunity to grow and expand the social protection system in Nepal.
The full report will be published soon and will be followed by a study of the financing gaps for social protection extension in Nepal as well as the potential pathways to increase the fiscal space and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Read more about the SP&PFM in Nepal: here