Nepal Government Implements Strict Anti-Corruption Measures for Public Officials

Kathmandu. The government has adopted a new policy to curb corruption and irregularities in public bodies. Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal issued a circular on Thursday to all ministries, commissions, and government offices, announcing that if any corrupt activities are found in an office, the respective office head will be held primarily responsible.

This step has been taken as the new government, formed following the Gen-Z youth movement last Bhadra and the subsequent elections, has placed high priority on good governance. The directive issued by Chief Secretary Aryal calls for making government offices and employees efficient, professional, and ethical to earn public trust.

It specifically mentions that strict initiatives must be taken to end the abuse of position and authority in service delivery, development projects, revenue administration, and contract and procurement processes. Office heads have been instructed to maintain close surveillance and conduct surprise inspections to prevent potential bargaining and irregularities within their jurisdictions.

The responsibility to report any information regarding corruption to the relevant authorities immediately also lies with the office head. The government has cautioned employees to prioritize women, children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and the helpless in public service delivery, and to treat service seekers with courtesy.

The circular clarifies that employees must strictly adhere to neutrality, transparency, and the legal code of conduct, with the primary responsibility for monitoring this resting on the office head. The Chief Secretary stated that the government machinery must be made efficient and economical to improve the country's international image, which has been negatively impacted by corruption, and to establish good governance that citizens can experience.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary's office has requested all agencies to provide significant suggestions for policy, legal, and procedural reforms to prevent and control corruption. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to make public administration corruption-free and has warned that any compromise in this regard will make the office head liable for action.