Ministry Intensifies Probe into Cooperative Irregularities

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation has intensified the investigation into irregularities and malpractices in the cooperative sector. 

The ministry stated that it is implementing the suggestions and recommendations provided in the report submitted by the Commission for Investigation of Malpractices in Cooperatives, formed as per the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal. 

In the report made public by the Council of Ministers' decision on Jestha 11, 2082, clarification has been sought from then-officials and employees whose roles were found to be in contravention of cooperative principles, values, and prevailing laws in activities such as cooperative registration, expansion of work areas, approval of service centers and branch offices, and mergers. 

The report had recommended investigating 14 former officials and employees by name. The individuals from whom clarification is being sought include employees ranging from Section Officer to Joint Secretary. 

The ministry has directed the concerned individuals through correspondence to submit a written response within seven days with basis, stating whether or not they engaged in the activities mentioned in the commission's report during their tenure. The ministry has stated that if a response is not received within the stipulated period, necessary procedures will be initiated according to prevailing laws. 

Committee Formed for Further Study

For the implementation of the commission's report and further study, the ministry has formed a five-member committee under the convenorship of the Chief of the Administration Division. The committee includes the Director of the Cooperative Regulation Authority, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry's Law Division, the Under-Registrar of the Department of Cooperatives, and the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry's Cooperative Promotion Section as the member secretary. 

The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed study of the commission's report and preparing suggestions for immediate and long-term reforms, analyzing the clarifications received, assisting in drafting a new cooperative act, and studying and analyzing the files related to cooperative institutions pointed out in the report. 

Minister of the Department, Pratibha Rawal, stated that the implementation of the report will be prioritized. She said,