Kathmandu. The Nepal Chapter of the Internet Society (ISC) has been suspended. This is the first time the Nepal Chapter has been in operation since its inception in 2007.
Internet Society Global has informed the members via email that the Nepal Chapter has been suspended from doing any work. Ayash Shakira Suhaidi, Asia Pacific Community Engagement Manager of the Internet Society, informed that the Nepal Chapter is under action.
The email states that the Nepal Chapter is not in good condition. The Internet Society has stated that it is in dialogue with the leaders of the chapter about the next steps.
It is said that the chapter did not meet even the minimum criteria as per the charter letter and did not adhere to the chapter performance evaluation (CPE). Not only this, it is mentioned that the activities to tarnish the internet society and its reputation at the local, regional and global level have to be suspended as it is on behalf of the chapter.
These include violations of social responsibility, tarnishing the brand and image of the Internet society and unwanted behavior contrary to the principles of the organization. Currently the chapter is inactive.
The suspension will be implemented in two stages. In the first phase before suspension, there will be a period of 3 months to meet the minimum requirements and criteria again.
During this period, Nepal Chapter will be eligible for ISC funding. But if the chapter fails to make the necessary improvements during this period, the suspension will definitely apply.
The chapter will have 12 months to restructure with a change of leadership. During this period, the chapter will lose its voting right and will not be allowed to do any activity in its own name.
In addition, there is a provision for the rehabilitation of the society which is not allowed to apply for funding under the regular chapter program . If the prescribed process is not completed even within the 12-month suspension period, the chapter itself will reach the stage of dismissal.
Acting Chairman of the Nepal Chapter, Romkant Pandey, said that he was trying to fulfill the necessary conditions to solve the current problem within three months before the suspension. Pandey is in the role of acting chairman after the then chairman of the chapter Santosh Sigdel resigned a year ago.
There have been two main factions in the chapter for a long time, the establishment and the opposition. The opposition group has lodged a complaint with the Global Chapter of the Internet Society alleging that the organization is not transparent.
In 2007, Nepal was recognized as a loose network by the ISC (Internet Society). The Nepal Chapter of ISC was officially opened in 2009 as a non-profit organization.
With the slogan 'Safe Internet for All', the Society has been organizing various programs on user rights, empowerment and public awareness emphasizing on the use of information technology. The Nepal Chapter currently has around 500 members.
