Government Pledges Anti-Corruption Reforms and Civil Service Overhaul

Kathmandu. The government has committed to transparently investigating the assets of individuals who have held public office since 2046 BS, in accordance with legal processes, to ensure good governance and control corruption. 

This commitment is included in the national commitment draft prepared by the government, incorporating the election manifestos of six political parties. The government also plans to strengthen constitutional bodies and define the scope of policy decisions made by the Council of Ministers. 

'Laws regarding whistleblower protection to encourage and safeguard those reporting corruption, as well as legislation concerning conflict of interest, will be enacted,' the government's draft states. 

The draft also mentions that the jurisdictions and authorities of political and administrative leadership will be clearly defined by law. 

'Public service will be made free from political pressure, impartial, capable, accountable, and committed to service. The structure of investigative and regulatory bodies will be reformed and strengthened,' the government led by Balendra Shah stated. 

'To end partisan affiliation among employees working in various state bodies, policy and legal arrangements will be made, and partisan trade unions within the government service will be abolished,' the commitment notes. This proposal has faced opposition since the discussion began. 

'The government also plans to build a modern civil service that is capable, efficient, and competitive, providing more services with fewer staff. Honesty and ethics testing methods will be adopted for appointments, and judicial appointments will be based on meritocracy and a competitive system. The government has pledged to maintain peace and order, ensure the rule of law, provide impartial, fast, and quality services, guarantee an easy public service delivery system, and control all forms of corruption, including irregularities, delays, and malpractices,' the government stated. 

The government, which has announced plans to empower the National Vigilance Center, claims it will completely eliminate the influence of middlemen in policy, law-making, and decision-making processes.