Prime Minister Dahal Acknowledges Inadequate Efforts in Anti-Corruption Drive

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ candidly admitted that the government’s efforts to combat corruption, while in progress, have fallen short of the desired impact. Speaking at a program organized by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on the International Day against Corruption, PM Dahal emphasized the need for more robust and effective measures to tackle the pervasive issue.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the initiatives taken by the government to counter corruption have been insufficient, leading to less-than-satisfactory results. Despite mobilizing all state mechanisms to identify and eradicate the root causes of corruption, the current efforts are deemed inadequate by the head of the government.

Addressing the gathering, PM Dahal asserted that his government is committed to promoting cooperation among the government, private sector, and civil society in the fight against corruption. He outlined the ongoing efforts for social justice, good governance, and prosperity under his leadership, claiming that these endeavors have sent positive messages to the public.

Recognizing corruption as a significant impediment to good governance, PM Dahal stressed the necessity of additional, effective measures to curb corrupt practices. He highlighted the evolving forms of corruption in the digital age, urging comprehensive attention from all stakeholders to discourage such activities.

The Prime Minister reassured the public of the government’s determination to enforce legal provisions, holding accountable the mechanisms and officials responsible for combating corruption. He informed the audience that the Office of the Prime Minister was actively functioning as a contact agency for the implementation of the UN General Convention against Corruption.

PM Dahal also shared that legal and institutional arrangements have been put in place to define all forms of corruption as crimes, facilitate extradition for corruption charges, ensure mutual legal assistance, and facilitate the return of property gained from corruption-related crimes. He emphasized the importance of creating public awareness against corruption from the grassroots level, starting from schools.

Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, underlining the necessity of cooperation and collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society to eliminate corruption. Stressing the importance of clean, transparent behavior, Aryal emphasized the collective responsibility to mitigate the negative impacts of corruption.

Acting Chief Commissioner of the CIAA, Kishor Kumar Silwal, spoke about the need for cooperation and collaboration between government and non-government bodies to end corruption, emphasizing the CIAA’s active role in establishing a corruption-free society.

December 9 is observed as the International Anti-Corruption Day in accordance with the decision of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and Nepal commemorates this day annually to raise awareness and combat corruption.