Corruption Control Key To Good Governance

It is quite alarming to hear about the growing cases of corruption, especially in the government institutions and the bureaucracy. Also, that top ranking political leaders are knee-deep in this mess has given more strength to reports that these sort of activities have greatly shackled the development goals of the nation and also stunted its efforts for economic growth. More of concern are the reports of even elected leaders at all levels, being in the frontlines of such illegal deals have greatly affected the government's commitment to good governance.

A huge dent was made to this well intentioned policy of the government, when none less than Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal was automatically suspended, when a case of his involvement in a corruption scandal was recently registered in the Special Court by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Dr. Aryal meanwhile, has been transferred to the Planning Commission with the same salary and perks he enjoyed before. Naturally, such a decision of the government has started another vitriolic debate on whether this was right or not.

Severe punishments

But to come back to how even elected leaders are facing judicial investigations and some accused are still in jails, has made the common people feel very anxious. So they are questioning why they voted for these leaders who have apparently betrayed them. Meanwhile, there are also some top political leaders who are doing their time in police custody and others who have walked into jails and are freed on bail. It is high time for the authorities to be more vigilant in dealing with such illegal activities. It would also be a pragmatic decision if it comes up with more severe punishments to deter others from breaking the law and escalating this social crime.

The saddest part is when local level leaders are kept in custody because of their involvement in embezzling the money set aside for development works in areas where most locals know the office holders well and ironically, trust them for successfully completing the challenging tasks ahead in developing these overlooked areas which urgently seek the attention of the government. The three-tier system of governance was etched out with the good intention of the constitution makers, to allow local level leaders and not outsiders, to take care of the problems faced by such places, of which the local leaders are better acquainted with. But sadly, no tangible works have been accomplished in this task, thus creating doubts in this proclamation of the government and other influential political leaders who constantly repeat the 'mantra' of good governance to all.

Also of concern is that huge amounts of money exchange hands in such deals and the names of top level political leaders and decision makers are also linked to such nefarious activities. The people are compelled to accept this sad reality day in and day out, just to make ends meet for providing two square meals for their family, forget other luxuries, which they too may want to see in their life. Meanwhile, when the nation is facing so many major problems, the ordinary people are not happy with the way the political leaders are wasting their time on petty issues. They don't come up with any sound policies in spite of the fact that all types of meetings are regularly held, with office-bearers confident about the 'mouth-watering' perks that will be waiting for them for their efforts which mostly are unfruitful. 

Till just some weeks ago, the biggest parties in the federal parliament, namely the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML) were engaged in a verbal battle in which the comparatively new political party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), too took part, by making allegations of misdeeds committed by NC leaders. Even personal accusations were flung by one and another, thus belittling the prestige of the parliament itself. Here, it would be a huge professional mistake to not mention that both the UML and RSP are partners in the current coalition government, while the NC sits in the opposition benches.

Secure environment

The common citizens who just want to live in a secure environment without having to worry about their basic needs, are earnestly questioning why the leaders who have come to power for guiding the nation in the path of overall development, are wasting precious time in petty discussions only, finding faults in the work of others and also making tall promises on how they will form a 'stable' government after the next general elections. What the majority of citizens actually want to see is immediate action of the government to provide better employment opportunities within the country, an easy access to better health care and better education, among others. For this, it is necessary to construct physical infrastructure, which all will contribute in achieving the development goals of the nation. 

To come back to the bitter reality being seen at present when corruption is eating away at the already troubled economy and also causing much distress to the people, the government, political leaders, top level bureaucrats and also industrialists must make a solemn pledge to not give any boost to corrupt activities, which may be beneficial for them personally, but which will be harmful for the nation and the people. This may take time, but it is not something impossible to achieve, with the cooperation of the citizens and wisdom of more visionary leaders.

(The author is former chief editor of this daily.)