Curbing corruption

Curbing corruption

The Prime Minister’s concern shown towards the rampant corruption going on in the country seems encouraging as reported in the news item “I won’t spare the corrupt, says PM” (THT, 13 Aug. Page 5). However, it is easier to say than practically done. There does not seem any place in the government owned institutions that are not openly involved in the corruption. There is no proper control mechanism system designed to curb the institutionalized corruption. It is known to everybody that Nepal is sliding down every year in the list of the most corrupt nation in the world and will continue to go down unless the government acts with firm commitment.

There were signs earlier that the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) seemed serious in its action by bringing the culprits under its control. Unless CIAA continues to fully act with its mandated job, Prime Minister’s wish of seeing Nepal free from corruption may remain a dream. His government should equip both the National Vigilance Centre (NVC) and CIAA with necessary equipment and trained human resources to make them more effective and efficient in curbing the corruption.

Also, the political commitments of all the political parties are needed to control the corruption that has plagued the nation and made the life of the common people difficult in many ways. Under the table payments in terms of bribes in most of the government owned institutions has been common to witness in return for their services. However, not many such culprits are red handed caught and punished. The people, who pay the bribes, are also equally responsible for the increase in corruption. However, it is the government that needs to be serious and committed in curbing the corruption in its institutions in the days to come by pushing both NVC and CIAA to do their mandated jobs.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj, Kathmandu