Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has identified violation of law, costly election systems, absence of transparency and accountability, and a cagey culture as significant issues fostering corruption in Nepal. She highlighted these concerns while addressing a programme organized to mark International Anti-Corruption Day at her office, Singha Durbar.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Karki referenced reports from the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and non-government bodies, noting that other factors contributing to corrupt practices include conflict of interest, social protection and promotion of corrupt individuals, and weak monitoring and evaluation systems. She emphasized that powerful individuals involved in corruption create obstructions in investigation and action.
PM Karki stressed the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to combat financial misconduct, especially in the context of modern technology changing the forms and trends of corruption. She assured that the government is ready to collaborate with the CIAA and other anti-corruption agencies to advance the good governance campaign and take stringent measures against fraudulent activities that harm the nation’s finances.
She urged government officials to ensure smooth service delivery as a crucial step in controlling corruption, stating that shirking responsibilities is unacceptable. The PM reminded office chiefs of their responsibility to maintain fair practices and emphasized that social justice and prosperity can be achieved through good governance.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government would soon issue the second national strategy and work plan against corruption, set for 2025, as part of Nepal’s commitment to the UN Convention against Corruption, which it signed in 2011.