President stresses modernised investigation of CIAA cases

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Feb. 11: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed confidence that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) will not be swayed or influenced by external pressure and will continue its work impartially, regardless of the size or status of the crime or criminal. 

Speaking at a programme organised to mark the 34th anniversary of the CIAA in Kathmandu on Monday, the President emphasised that as the nature and form of corruption evolve, it is essential to modernise investigation and prosecution processes. 

He stated that unnecessary obsession with power, wealth and status leads to the misuse of procedures, methods and systems, driving people toward corruption. He also said that the rapid development and use of information technology have added complexity to the methods and trends of corruption. 

President Paudel acknowledged the delay in passing corruption-related Bills, noting that some issues have resulted in complaints. He stated, "Nepal is a signatory to the International Convention on Corruption Control and I believe it is necessary to revise our laws and mechanisms in line with the provisions of that convention."

He further stated that if individuals make a commitment through their habits, behaviour, conduct and practice to never engage in or allow corruption, it can be rooted out. He clarified that strengthening democracy, economic development, good governance, social justice and prosperity cannot be achieved without good governance and transparency. 

He said, “Establishing the rule of law and ensuring good governance is a key responsibility of the state and I firmly believe that the commission will play a leading role in preventing and addressing the potential risks of corruption by raising awareness among public bodies and officials.”

On the occasion, Chief Commissioner of the CIAA, Prem Kumar Rai, stressed the need to take further measures to improve the delivery of services to citizens in a convenient and simple manner. He said that while the government of Nepal has made efforts to expand the use of information technology to make public service delivery more predictable, accessible and organised, services in federal offices such as transport, land revenue, survey, passport, foreign employment and immigration have not been as effective as expected.

Chief Commissioner Rai further said that services provided by provincial and local governments have become even more complex and costly, making it difficult for the public to receive smooth and simple services. He also said that an analysis of complaints received by the commission revealed trends such as the allocation of budgets without identifying the need and appropriateness in public procurement and construction, carrying out procurement activities without a proper plan, selecting projects through collusion, making payments without completing programmes, misusing grants, not following the citizen charter, the entry of middlemen in service delivery and creating irregularities through collusion in service delivery.

Chief Commissioner Rai informed that the commission has been broadcasting programmes related to good governance, including raising awareness on governance issues, on Nepal Television.

During the event, President Paudel distributed awards to outstanding CIAA employee. Speaker of the House of Representatives Devaraj Ghimire, Chairperson of the National Assembly Narayan Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Speaker and others were present on the occasion.