Corrupt ministers

The Himalayan Times

26 August 2021

Corrupt ministers

Many counties, rich and poor, in the world including Nepal, are desperately struggling to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of people have been infected and many have lost their lives in the first and second wave of the pandemic around the globe. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) foresees a possible third wave of the pandemic in many parts of the world and recommends the governments to be fully prepared for it.

Soon after the production of vaccines in the USA, the UK, Russia and China, governments around the globe were optimistic of getting the vaccines on time so that they would be able to keep their people safe from the pandemic. However, easy access of vaccines throughout the world has not been easy because of the excessive demands for the vaccines, creating panic among governments and their people. This situation allowed unscrupulous and corrupt ministers and bureaucrats in some countries like Indonesia to pocket huge amount of money while ordering and procuring vaccines and medical equipment through agents “Indonesia cabinet minister gets 12 year for COVID-19 graft” (THT, 24 August, Page 5).

Nepal also could not remain untouched by such corruption cases involving the then health minister and chairperson of the CCMC (COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre) during the Oli led government. They were blamed for making billions of rupees in commission while procuring vaccines and medical equipment. HoR Finance Committee had even proved their wrongdoings and ordered the then government to investigate and lawfully punish them. Instead, they were spared and are now walking around freely. Unless the political parties in power show their commitment in punishing their corrupt leaders, merely uttering zero tolerance for corruption makes no sense.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj