Cagey culture contributes to corruption: PM Karki

Kathmandu, Dec 9: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said violation of law, costly election system, absence of transparency and accountability, and cagey culture are some of the issues behind thriving corruption in Nepal.     

Other reasons triggering corrupt practices are conflict of interest, social protection and promotion to corrupt people, weak monitoring and evaluation, PM Karki said, referencing the reports of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and non-government bodies.     

PM Karki said it while addressing a programme organized to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day at her office, Singha Durbar today. Powerful people involve in corruption, which creates obstruction in investigation and actions. "With the expansion of modern technology, even the form and trend of corruption have changed," she said, underlining the cooperation among all stakeholders to wipe out financial sleazes.     

She vowed readiness for collaboration with CIAA and other anti-corruption agencies to forward the good governance campaign. Government takes stringent moves to wipe out fraudulent activities that cause financial loss to the nation, PM added.     

She made aware the government officials to ensure smooth service delivery, which is a prerequisite to corruption control. "Shirking from responsibilities can not be accepted. The office chiefs must be responsible mainly to maintain fair practice," PM Karki reminded.     

Social justice and prosperity can be ensured through good governance, according to her.     

The PM informed that government was issuing the second national strategy and work plan against corruption, 2025 soon. It is being brought as part of Nepal signing to the UN Convention against Corruption in 2011.(RSS)