KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has launched a critical effort to resolve longstanding disputes over active membership as it prepares for its upcoming 15th General Convention.

This initiative is led by the party’s General Secretary, Gagan Kumar Thapa, who heads the newly formed Active Membership Management Committee, tasked with overseeing the membership renewal process across the party’s various committees.

This initiative is a significant step in addressing persistent challenges within the party’s internal workings. Disputes regarding active membership have been a recurring issue since the 12th General Convention, often leading to divisions and delays.

These disputes are typically fueled by allegations of favoritism, fraudulent memberships, and the exclusion of eligible members, undermining the party’s democratic principles.

With the convention approaching, the current effort seeks to resolve these issues and establish a transparent and inclusive membership system.

The Active Membership Management Committee, which includes central members Sita Gurung, Yogendra Chaudhary, and Prakash Rasaili, began its work with a meeting on January 3.

As the convention nears, the Nepali Congress faces a defining challenge. Successfully renewing active memberships will not only ensure a smooth and democratic convention but also

Following this, the committee issued instructions to all party committees at provincial, district, regional, municipal, and ward levels to adhere to a detailed timeline for completing the renewal process.

The main goal of the committee is to ensure all eligible members are granted active membership, allowing them to participate in the convention as representatives.

Active membership is fundamental to the party’s internal democracy, granting members voting rights at the general convention, where key decisions such as electing central leadership are made.

The renewal process, outlined by General Secretary Thapa, involves several stages with strict deadlines. It begins with the submission of active membership forms at the district level and moves through provincial, regional, municipal, and ward committees.

Ward committees are responsible for collecting membership fees of Rs 200 per member, verifying member details, and submitting them to higher committees. These reports, along with fees, must be forwarded to the party’s central office by April 11.

To ensure financial transparency, each subordinate committee can retain Rs 10 per form for operational expenses, while Rs 150 per form (including Rs 10 for the provincial committee) must be sent to the central office.

The funds will be deposited into the party’s account at Rastriya Banijya Bank in Teku, and deposit vouchers must be submitted by the final deadline.

Resolving the membership disputes that have plagued past conventions remains a major challenge. Allegations of manipulation and exclusion in previous conventions have led to member dissatisfaction and raised concerns about the party’s internal governance.

The Active Membership Management Committee aims to tackle these issues by enforcing a clear timeline and strict adherence to rules at every level of the party structure to ensure a fair process.

With the 15th General Convention approaching, the stakes are high. The event will serve as a platform for electing the party’s new leadership and shaping its future direction.

While party president Sher Bahadur Deuba has the authority to extend the convention deadline by one year, unless he exercises this option, the event must occur within the next month. Successful completion of the active membership renewal process is therefore vital for the convention’s success and legitimacy.

The scale and complexity of the renewal process present significant logistical challenges, as the party must coordinate with thousands of members across the country. Delays or errors at any level could jeopardize the entire effort.

Moreover, the party must be mindful of members who may feel excluded or marginalized during the renewal drive. Effective communication and oversight will be crucial to address these challenges.

Looking ahead, the active membership renewal initiative marks a pivotal moment for the Nepali Congress. By addressing past grievances and ensuring transparency, the party has an opportunity to strengthen its internal democracy and rebuild trust among its members. General Secretary Thapa and the Active Membership Management Committee will play a key role in ensuring a fair and inclusive general convention.

As the convention nears, the Nepali Congress faces a defining challenge. Successfully renewing active memberships will not only ensure a smooth and democratic convention but also set a precedent for future organizational practices. This initiative underscores the party’s commitment to upholding its democratic values and solidifying its position as a leading force in Nepali politics.