Madhes Province Janlokpal Commission Decides 15 Cases in FY 2082/83

Janakpurdham. The Janlokpal Commission formed by the Madhes Province Government has decided 15 cases in the financial year 2082/83. The commission, which has been facing problems such as low manpower and lack of physical infrastructure since its establishment, has decided 15 out of 51 complaints of irregularities and corruption registered in FY 2082/83.

According to Prasanna Raj Karna, Information Officer of the Commission, 15 cases have been decided after studying and investigating the complaints registered here, and sent to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Central Office, Tangal, Kathmandu for case registration. He said that other complaints are under investigation.

In the last fiscal year 2081/82, 56 complaints of corruption and irregularities were registered in the commission, of which 10 were decided and sent to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Central Office, Tangal, Kathmandu for case registration.

According to Information Officer Karna, the complaints most frequently received by the commission are related to corruption in local levels and provincial government bodies, illegal asset accumulation, and administrative irregularities. He said that complaints are also being registered online.

The commission, established in August 2078, has been facing problems in studying and investigating complaints due to lack of physical infrastructure, manpower including security personnel, despite the increasing number of complaints of irregularities and corruption every year, informed Commission Chairman Ramsahayray Yadav.

He said that the commission, formed with the authority to investigate irregularities in public bodies and organizations within the province and take action against the guilty, has been facing difficulties in investigating and deciding on complaints due to the long absence of regulations and staff.

Chairman Yadav informed that complaints are mostly registered regarding corruption in development projects operated by local levels in districts like Dhanusha, Mahottari, and Rautahat of the province, and irregularities in the appointment process.

"The commission has a sanctioned staff of 33, but currently, 15 employees including the office chief are working," said Commission Chairman Yadav, adding, "On one hand, complaints are increasing, and on the other hand, due to the lack of staff, there is a problem in studying the registered complaints."

He complained that despite repeatedly writing to the provincial government to send regulations and staff, there has been no response so far. "We need legal staff to investigate cases, and police for raids," said Chairman Yadav, adding, "Currently, we lack employees with expertise in law and police. Therefore, it is difficult to work."

The commission, formed with the objective of the provincial government to ensure economic good governance by ensuring citizens' rights with a corruption-free, accountable, and good governance, has Yadav as Chairman, Sujata Bimal and Sanjeev Jha as members.