Parliament begins discussion on amending CIAA Act

Kathmandu, November 15 — Discussion has begun in Parliament’s State Affairs and Good Governance Committee on the bill to amend the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Act, 1991.

During the discussion, Minister of State for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Purna Bahadur Tamang suggested that a photocopy of the complainant's citizenship should be mandatory when filing a complaint with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

He explained that the reason for amending the bill was to address complaints filed anonymously, adding that the amendment aims to ensure that the public does not face difficulties in the future.

"I have suffered from this issue myself," he said, expressing his concern, "Currently, employees, the public, and even business people have faced problems. If only the complainant’s citizenship photocopy is required, 70% of complaints to the CIAA will decrease." He also pointed out that anonymous complaints were causing frustration among CIAA staff.

Another contributor to the amendment, CPN-UML MP Hemraj Rai, suggested that the CIAA should have the authority to create staff positions and select employees directly. He argued that this would streamline the Commission's operations.

"I have proposed an amendment to allow the CIAA to appoint commissioners as it deems appropriate, including from outside the institution," Rai said. "In clause 21(a) of the bill, the CIAA will monitor the government. The government should not be involved in staffing decisions."