Fighting Corruption: PM Karki Pledges Strong Commitment

Kathmandu. On the occasion of the 22nd International Anti-Corruption Day, Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed the government's firm commitment to fight corruption rigorously to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in the country.

Speaking at the program, which was celebrated this year under the international theme, 'Uniting the world against corruption: UN-ited against corruption, for integrity, development, and peace'. The Prime Minister stated that a new era of good governance is beginning due to the awareness and pressure from the youth.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the youth movement witnessed on the streets on Bhadra 23 and 24 marked a historic turning point in the country's governance, making it clear that the government is fully committed to good governance.

"The government will not hesitate to take stringent measures to any extent against corruption," she said. "State mechanisms have been activated." She noted that since corruption is a crime committed by powerful and influential individuals, investigations are complex, and the nature of corruption is changing with the development of technology. 

However, the government claims that it will spare no effort in implementing the law, enhancing the institutional capacity of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), and fostering cooperation among various agencies.

Recalling that Nepal has been introducing various legal provisions since signing the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2011, the Prime Minister announced that the Second National Strategy and Action Plan–2082 is being made public. 

She also noted that Nepal has a clear legal framework for issues such as the return of assets obtained through corruption, mutual legal assistance, and controlling transnational crime.

The Prime Minister urged individuals holding public office and responsibility to conduct a serious self-assessment, stating, "The primary responsibility for preventing corruption in an office rests with the head of that office. 

The time for blaming others and escaping accountability is over." She made it clear that unnecessary delays, irresponsibility towards service seekers, the pursuit of undue advantage, and acts causing loss to the state would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Prime Minister mentioned that an unprecedented public awakening against corruption has emerged and stressed that collaboration among all three tiers of government, the private sector, civil society, media, and the general public is essential. 

She pledged that she would not be intimidated or back down even if threatened by any party during the process of corruption control.