Anti-graft Commitment

Since its formation, the incumbent government, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on December 26, 2022, has prioritised good governance as one of its major goal. PM Prachanda even during his speech at a function held in Kavreplanchowk on May 9, had claimed that the government has launched a ‘new fight against corruption and expressed his firm commitment to control evil of the society. The Prime Minister on Monday, at a function organised on ‘Current Challenges and Solutions to the Economy’ by Nepal Rastra Bank in the Capital, reiterated his commitment that the government is serious about fighting corruption of all forms and shapes. He said that corruption control is the key to maintaining good governance. He has also sought support from the citizens and solidarity on the recent steps taken by the government in controlling corruption. Corruption itself has no its specific shape, size and colour. However, it is spreading tentacles in every sector of the society. 

It is a well-known fact that corruption cannot be rooted out effectively unless the political parties in power are honest in controlling it. Political willpower combined with bold move in investigation, prosecution and punishment to the guilty are needed to fight this menace. According to the latest report of Transparency International, the reason why Nepal ranks 110th among the 180 countries of the world in the global index of corruption shows clear message that corruption calls for bold move in Nepal. Zero tolerance towards corruption is being reiterated by the political leadership time and again but when it comes to taking bold action, there is a room for change. In this regard, Prime Minister Prachanda's initiative and action to match his words deserve appreciation. He has called for support from all sides to fight corruption which he will get readily. 

Only those involved in irregularities for long will tend to create obstacles which need to be thwarted. Corruption and battle against it, is the talk of the town at present. It is the buzzword in the media and among the civil society. Don't pester the innocent and don’t spare the guilty is the oft-quoted remark. The other way round sometimes happens to be the reality where people without access to power suffers as scapegoat while those with connections easily get away with the wrongdoing. Transparent dealing in every public office is the beginning point to keep irregularities at bay. In the present context, the emerging scam of fake Bhutanese refugees has drawn the attention of everyone. At the same time, it has also grabbed international attention as the fake refugees were allegedly sent for resettlement in the United States of America. Some others were allegedly pledged to be sent as refugees and were made to pay hefty amounts. 

The current government has drawn accolades for the bold move but the people are also being gnawed by skepticism lest the move gets derailed by undue influence. General consensus is that corruption should never be a case for compromise because it stands as enemy to justice, morality, law and sincere conduct. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is a constitutional body that responds to complaints made about irregularities and corrupt activities in public offices. The commission carries out investigation, files charge-sheets and orders arrest of those allegedly involved in corruption for investigation. The cases are filed in the court of law after gathering evidences and clues and the accused are also presented at the court for hearing. Those who are found guilty in the court are punished according to the law of the land.