Village development committees (VDCs) are prevalent and active across Nepal. VDCs are made up of elected village representatives who oversea all sorts of issues occurring on the village level. It seems that VDCs came out of what we now refer to as village feudal authority. Most likely, VDCs replaced village elders for example. At every district we visited almost all the organizations we spoke with referred to the work of the VDCs. These village committees have, whether voluntary or not, taken on much of the work of implementation. Programs set up such as government compensations to victims are handled and distributed by the VDCs. I was absolutely impressed by how many Nepalese worked with VDCs and were very familiar with them. This meant that a civil society was not impossible. In fact, the VDCs have the potential to play a vital role in supporting and installing democratic institutions across Nepal.

Indeed, the VDCs are vulnerable to endemic corruption. The last elections held for VDCs was 14 years ago! When speaking to organizations we learned that VDCs are important in working closely with communities. They play a critical role in working with victims whether it is reparations or concerns for justice. In the final days of our visit the position of secretary an employee of the government was dissolved. Nonetheless, VDCs are coopted by political party ideology and have yet to include various parties seeking representation. Therefore, the ultimate decisions reaching the people are bound by political ideology. This tug and pull is paralyzing Nepal’s political and social institutions.

My hope is that VDCs can emerge from entrenched corruption. Corruption in Nepal is not just about money and bribery. Ideology, identity and justice have all been compromised by party agendas. VDCs have the power to guide Nepal into a democratic order depending on the changes that hopefully can be made regarding corruption and political parties.