Nepal Expands Scope of High-Ranking Officials' Asset Probe Commission

Biratnagar. The Nepal government has made extensive changes to the jurisdiction and terms of the Asset Investigation Commission, 2083, formed to investigate the assets of high-ranking officials.

As per the Council of Ministers' decision on Jestha 14, the commission's work, duties, and staff structure have also been altered. The revised procedure was published in the gazette today. Accordingly, the commission will now investigate the assets of even more powerful positions.

The assets of individuals holding or having held the positions of Attorney General and Chief Attorney will also be investigated. Similarly, Chief Ministers of provincial governments as well as ministers have been clearly brought under the scope of investigation.

Along with the former civil service, gazetted first-class officers and those equivalent in the parliamentary service, health service, and national human rights service are now also under the purview of investigation.

The commission can issue a public notice for 30 days to collect information about the illegal assets of individuals holding public office. Although the informant must disclose their contact and identity, the commission will keep such identity completely confidential. The information provided will not be made public unless required by law.

The chairperson of the commission will receive a salary and facilities equivalent to a state minister of the Nepal government, while members will receive a salary and facilities equivalent to an assistant minister.

Officials who do not avail themselves of vehicle, fuel, and driver facilities will receive a lump sum of Rs 60,000 per month as an alternative.

The commission has already set a schedule to advance its investigation in two phases. In the first phase, asset details of officials and employees from the fiscal year 2062/63 to the end of Chaitra 2082/83 will be collected and verified.

To make the commission's performance effective, the number of employees in the secretariat has been increased. The previous staff quota of 32 has been increased to 38.

This amendment appears to have made the commission more inclusive and powerful, and it is expected to play a significant role in controlling corruption and asset laundering.

The commission has already set a schedule to advance its investigation in two phases. In the first phase, asset details of officials and employees from the fiscal year 2062/63 to the end of Chaitra 2082/83 will be collected and verified.

The second phase will cover the period from 2048 BS to 2061/62. The commission has adopted a strategy to prioritize the investigation of employees who have spent a long time in offices with a high risk of corruption, such as land revenue, transport, customs, and revenue administration, which have direct public interaction.

The commission also has the authority to coordinate with diplomatic missions and international bodies like Interpol to search for suspicious assets hidden in foreign banks or abroad.

A provision has also been made for the commission's chairperson and members themselves to demonstrate high ethical conduct. They will have to take an oath before commencing their work and submit their personal asset details to the Prime Minister's Office and the Council of Ministers within seven days, which will be made public.

If the details submitted by them are found to be incorrect, the public can file a complaint, and the government can take action. The commission's term will be one year from the date of commencement of work, and upon the expiry of the term or dissolution, all records will be secretly handed over to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.