Prime Minister Karki Asserts Government's Commitment to Corruption Control and Good Governance

Kathmandu, February 11: Prime Minister Sushila Karki stated that the responsibility to control corruption rests with the government and that work is proceeding accordingly. Addressing a special ceremony organized here today on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prime Minister Karki said that the government is working day and night to minimize and control corruption and establish good governance.

Prime Minister Karki urged everyone to take the movement led by the Gen-Z youth last Bhadra, demanding the promotion of good governance and the fundamental requirement of corruption control in the country, as a serious message. She clarified that the current government, formed on the foundation of the Gen-Z movement, is prioritizing making citizens feel a citizen-friendly administration, controlling corruption, and advancing overall governance reforms.

Informing that the government has adopted austerity in public spending by halting decisions that unnecessarily burden the state treasury, she said, "We have stopped unnecessary recruitments that would burden the state treasury. We have cut the budgets for many projects included in the Red Book with the intention of misusing resources without adequate preparation." Claiming that the government has taken a ruthless stance against the misuse of state resources, she clarified that the practice of taking undue benefits and misusing resources has been discouraged.

Prime Minister Karki stated that the government is sensitive to making essential services directly concerning citizens simple, quick, and accessible. "The government is diligently working to provide public services such as citizenship, passports, and driving licenses in a simple, quick, and accessible manner," she said.

Informing that the work to prepare a 'Good Governance Roadmap' that will guide the government coming after the next election is in its final stage, she said, "We have prepared a roadmap to build a long-term foundation for good governance, which we believe the next government will carry forward."

Prime Minister Karki stated that the role of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is crucial for promoting good governance and eradicating corruption. Noting that the Commission has appeared more active recently, she clarified that the government is in favor of making the empowered state structures professional and independent to make anti-corruption work, actions, more robust and effective. She emphasized the need to adopt a policy of zero tolerance for corruption and also informed that the work for the second national policy in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption is in its final stage.

Prime Minister Karki clarified that after the 'Gen-Z' movement, the government is focused on preventing further conflict in the country, maintaining peace and order, and creating an environment for elections. She also expressed confidence that the government coming after the election with a new mandate will take further steps to establish good governance in line with the aspirations of the 'Gen-Z generation.'

Prime Minister Karki said, "We have sufficient structures and legal and policy arrangements for corruption control. Yet, corruption is not being controlled as expected. Why did the Gen-Z youth have to take to the streets last Bhadra demanding the end of malpractices, irregularities, and corruption, and why did some have to lose their lives? Who will answer these questions?"

Noting that such sensitive questions have forced the state mechanism to self-reflect, she said, "The primary responsibility to control corruption is that of the government itself, of the executive body. Furthermore, the head of every body and office must take responsibility for controlling corruption within their own organization and structure and must be accountable."

Prime Minister Karki expressed dissatisfaction with the tendency to evade executive responsibility, saying, "As long as we look towards structures separate from the executive body for corruption control, we will not be able to bring about the desired reform within ourselves. The head of each office is responsible for the corruption and bribery occurring in that office."

Prime Minister Karki also opined that good governance is weakened by a lack of sense of responsibility and moral consciousness. She also clarified that it is necessary for every civil servant, political leadership, and other stakeholders to be aware of their responsibilities.

Prime Minister Karki also urged everyone to view the House of Representatives election to be held on the upcoming Falgun 21 as a grand campaign for establishing integrity. "From this platform, I urge everyone to view the upcoming Falgun 21 election as a grand campaign for establishing integrity in the country," she appealed, "Let us make the House of Representatives a place for representatives with clean images and a clear commitment against corruption."

---