Collective action key to end corruption: President Paudel

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Feb. 12: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) marked its 35th anniversary on Wednesday with a special programme in Kathmandu, with the slogan ‘Good Governance and Prosperity, People’s Rights; Let Us All Be Responsible for Corruption Control.’

On the occassion, President Ramchandra Paudel said corruption was not just breaking the law, but posing a serious challenge to the state and social justice. “When public power is used for personal gain, it harms citizens’ trust and weakens governance,” he said. He called on all state bodies, political leaders, civil servants, and citizens to work together to ensure good governance, social justice, and development reach people’s homes.

President Paudel also emphasised that the recent Gen Z-led movement demanding better governance should not be forgotten. “Ending corruption requires collective efforts. Only strong political commitment, combined with integrity, ethics, impartiality, and transparency, can ensure good governance and curb corruption,” he said.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki said the government had the structures, laws, and policies to control corruption, but implementation remains a challenge. She recalled the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9 last year, which showed public frustration with corruption. “The primary responsibility for controlling corruption lies with the government and the heads of institutions. Until they take responsibility within their own offices, meaningful reform cannot happen,” she said.

The Prime Minister said the current government was prioritising citizen-friendly administration, corruption control, and overall governance reforms. It had implemented fiscal prudence, stopped unnecessary recruitments that burden the treasury, and cut budgets of programmes prone to misuse. She said, “Public services such as citizenship certificates, passports, and driving licenses are now simpler, faster, and more accessible. A Governance Blueprint is also in its final stages to guide the next government after elections.”

CIAA Chief Commissioner Prem Kumar Rai said the Commission had been fulfilling its constitutional responsibility by investigating complaints based on facts and filing cases at the Special Court, including cases involving money laundering. “Our work to promote good governance and control corruption has increased public trust. However, delays in providing documents and the influence of middlemen remain key challenges.” he said.

Rai stressed that strict enforcement of laws and effective implementation of CIAA’s recommendations were essential to build public trust and create a corruption-free Nepal. He further said that the CIAA continues to implement strategic plans targeting high-risk areas of corruption. 

Additionally, he urged all responsible authorities to act decisively and uphold accountability. “Middlemen and misuse of power must end for good governance to reach people. Only then can we ensure a transparent, fair, and prosperous Nepal for all citizens,” he said.

Over the past 35 years, CIAA had seen a rapid rise in complaints, from 564 in fiscal year 1990/91 to 37,026 in 2025/26. The resolution rate has improved from 54.35 per cent to 80.22 per cent. 

In the last five years alone, 148,500 complaints were filed and 107,915 (72.8 per cent) resolved, with over Rs. 4 billion claimed/fined annually. Most complaints involve public procurement, construction, budget 

allocation, land administration, revenue leakage, bribery, and illegal asset acquisition.

Meanwhile, five journalists were honoured for their contributions to promoting good governance and controlling corruption through reporting and writing. Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav presented the awards to them in the presence of President Paudel, while Prime Minister Karki gave certificates of appreciation along with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 to each.

Hari Krishna Aidi of Gorkhapatra Daily, who worked as a correspondent in Mugu, was recognised for covering development, anti-corruption initiatives, and governance issues. 

Other honoured included Deepa Dahal from Ukalo Online, Sunil Maharjan from Nepal Samacharpatra, writer and analyst Dr. Dipesh Ghimire, and Shilaknath Dhakal of online.com.