Banking Khabar / The government is set to bring about a fundamental transformation in the banking and financial sector. It has prepared new plans ranging from bringing cooperatives under the regulation of Nepal Rastra Bank to reforming the credit flow system. By incorporating the economic commitments raised by all political parties, the government has drafted a national commitment framework.
According to the draft, microfinance institutions and cooperatives will be brought under a unified framework when it comes to credit disbursement. The government has begun preparations to place the cooperative sector under the regulatory oversight of Nepal Rastra Bank. This move comes after concluding that weak regulation in cooperatives has led to ongoing problems. The government also plans to establish a separate mechanism to regulate cooperatives.
As cooperatives have increasingly been performing functions similar to banks and financial institutions, the government is introducing new standards for their operation. Currently, the cooperative sector is monitored by multiple bodies, including the Cooperative Authority, the Department of Cooperatives, local governments, and some central cooperative banks. However, the presence of multiple regulators has made the sector more complex.
Targeting both cooperatives and microfinance institutions, the government plans to introduce a new policy for credit flow based on borrowers’ actual capacity. Previously, loans were largely issued based on collateral, but the new approach will focus on real earning capacity and local skills. This change will enable individuals without collateral to access loans for entrepreneurship. The integrated draft also mentions that banks, microfinance institutions, and cooperatives will all participate in such lending, with a focus on promoting the productive sector.
Unified Savings Protection Fund to refund cooperative victims
The government has also announced the establishment of a Unified Savings Protection Fund to return money to victims of cooperative fraud. To streamline the refund process, a one-door policy will be implemented through this fund. Depositors will be repaid on a priority basis through the fund. Currently, the number of cooperative victims is estimated to be around 74,000.
The proposed Unified Savings Protection Fund is a government-backed mechanism aimed at returning money to people who lost their savings in troubled or fraudulent cooperatives. Here’s a deeper look at what it means and how it could work:
Why it’s being created
Nepal’s cooperative sector has faced widespread issues due to weak oversight, mismanagement, and misuse of depositor funds. Tens of thousands of savers have been unable to recover their money. The fund is intended to restore trust and provide relief through a centralized system.
How the fund will work
Instead of victims having to go through multiple agencies, the government plans a “one-door policy”. This means:
- Victims will apply through a single official channel
- Claims will be verified centrally
- Payments will be distributed from one unified fund
This should reduce delays, confusion, and duplication in the refund process.
Who will benefit
- Depositors of problematic or collapsed cooperatives
- Priority may be given to small savers and vulnerable groups
- Around 74,000 affected individuals are expected to benefit initially
Funding sources (likely)
While exact details may evolve, such a fund is typically financed through:
- Government allocations
- Contributions from cooperative institutions
- Penalties or recovered assets from fraudulent operators
- Possible support from financial institutions
Payment approach
The government plans to refund savings on a priority basis, which could mean:
- Smaller deposits paid first
- Gradual disbursement depending on fund availability
- Verification to prevent fraudulent claims
Expected impact
- Immediate relief for victims
- Improved confidence in the cooperative sector
- Stronger financial discipline and accountability
- A step toward broader financial sector reform
Challenges to watch
- Ensuring the fund has enough resources
- Fair and transparent verification of claims
- Recovering money from failed cooperatives
- Preventing future misuse
If implemented effectively, this fund could become a major turning point in rebuilding public trust in Nepal’s cooperative system.
