PAC directs CIAA to speed up investigation, prosecution process

Kathmandu, Feb 27: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to accelerate the investigation and prosecution of the complaints registered at the anti-graft constitutional body, showing concern on the sluggish case-filling process.     

The parliamentary oversight committee instructed the CIAA to bring illegal financial activities under the ambit of law

In the PAC's meeting on Tuesday, the discussion was held on the implementation situation of past directives issued to the CIAA.     

On the occasion, Committee members raised questions on CIAA's slow response to the complaints registered for the past few years. The lawmakers also drew attention of the CIAA towards its slack investigation and prosecution process.     

Directing the CIAA after discussion, PAC Chairperson Rishikesh Pokharel said, "There is dillydallying in implementation of directives issued by committee in different time. A decision was taken to give directives from the committee to make the commission carry out activities related to settling the complaints and irregularities soon."     

The committee directed the government to take initiatives for legal convenience as it is necessary for CIAA to get information from different organizations and agencies at abroad in the course of the investigation.     

Chief Commissioner of CIAA Prem Kumar Rai briefed the meeting about the implementation situation of directives issued by PAC for CIAA.     

He shared that the CIAA has completed an investigation on land issues related to Taragaun Development Committee and handed over it to Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation for further investigation.     

Investigation on Nepal Airlines Corporation's 'wide-body' aircraft purchase scam has reached the final phase, Rai added, sharing information about its performance and investigation carried out by CIAA on the security printing press purchase scam, Chameliya hydropower project, scientific forest management and decision of Nepal Securities Board allowing to issue share on premium price. (RSS)