Rooting Out Corruption

In its Corruption Perception Index (CPI), 2022, the Transparency International places Nepal on 110th position out of 180 countries and territories. Nepal has scored 34 points. In 2021, it was ranked 117th with 33 points. Figures show that the country has slightly improved in the corruption index but this hardly belies the entrenched corruption that has roiled the nation for decades. Widespread corrupt practices have undermined the good governance, system of meritocracy, economic development and democratic culture. Corruption exists in various forms such as embezzlement, bribery, kickbacks, fraud, extortion, nepotism and favouritism. The declining ethical values and norms have been also attributed to the rampant corruption cases. Political protection, weak enforcement of related laws and leniency towards corrupt persons has also given rise to corruption.

The growing corruption is also attested by the number of complaints registered at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). In fiscal year 2021/22, a total of 24,331 complaints were registered at the CIAA offices across the country. Of them, 12,300 were lodged at its central office at Tangal, Kathmandu and 12,031 in eight other branch offices outside the Kathmandu Valley. About 33.14 per cent of the complaints were against officials and activities from local government and general administration, 15.31 per cent against those working in education sector and 7.71 per cent against those working in land-related offices. Controlling corruption has been a daunting task despite the fact that every successive government promises to eradicate its root and branch. Strong political will and sincere administrative efforts are necessary to uproot it. As corruption stands as a stumbling block on the path of attaining prosperity and sustainable development, there is a growing call for its eradication from different quarters.

This line of thought was echoed at a programme organised to mark the 32nd foundation day of the CIAA in Kathmandu on Saturday. Addressing the function, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said that corruption has given rise to inequality, with the citizens losing their trust in public bodies and officials. The President has rightly observed that corruption causes irregularities in service delivery, loss of national wealth, creation of conflict and damage to the country’s reputation. Likewise, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said that the government would adopt a tough stand to check corruption as the corruption control was essential to maintain good governance and enhance the welfare of the citizens. As the anti-graft constitutional body, the CIAA has the onus to investigate cases of corruption and irregularities in a fair and fearless manner to punish the perpetrators, thereby maintaining good governance and professionalism in the state-run institutions and the private sector.

The CIAA often runs the gauntlet for catching only ‘small fishes’ but letting the ‘big fishes’ go off the hook. This public perception is based on the fact that those involved in the big corruption scams often walk away scot-free. The present government has expressed its commitment to maintain procedural simplification, promptness, accessibility and transparency in basic service delivery such as education, health, drinking water and sanitation to minimise the cases of corruption. It has taken initiative to formulate an action plan to end delays and unethical transactions in service delivery by reducing direct contact between service seekers and service providers through maximum use of information technology. In order to check corruption, employees must demonstrate professional integrity and competence. The political leaders, media, civil society and common people must join hands to end corruption once and for all.