Press Release
Transparency International Nepal’s Call for Enhancing Good Governance
Kathmandu, Ashwin 16, 2083: The 100-point agenda on governance reform, unveiled by the Government of Nepal approximately six months ago, put forward various time-bound commitments prioritizing good governance, improvements in public service delivery, administrative accountability, corruption control, and the enhancement of public trust in the state. Effective implementation of this agenda raised public expectations for the strengthening of the rule of law, policy reforms aligned with the national interest, administrative efficiency, and stern action against the corrupt.
During this period, the issuance of a corruption control action plan and a national integrity policy, alongside efforts to make public service delivery more efficient in certain sectors, can be viewed as positive steps toward good governance. Progress has begun on some commitments, and the government appears to be striving to lay the groundwork for minimizing opportunities for corruption through these reform efforts. However, there appears to be a delay in the public actually experiencing the expected results of these reforms.
Concerns have also arisen regarding the fulfilment of commitments such as freeing public administration from politicization and prioritizing merit and competence in appointments and promotions. Questions regarding good governance commitments have been raised due to reports concerning the accountability and conflicts of interest of certain individuals associated with the government, as well as instances where actions taken in the name of enforcement appeared flawed in terms of due process and transparency.
To ensure the control of corruption and the guarantee of good governance, it is imperative to institutionally strengthen, ensure the autonomy of, and enhance the capacity of preventive and promotional bodies such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the National Vigilance Centre. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for Parliament to enact necessary legislation regarding good governance and intensify parliamentary oversight, while the judiciary must ensure that the adjudication and dispensation of justice in corruption-related cases are impartial, swift, and effective.
Therefore, Transparency International Nepal strongly urges the government—as well as all other relevant stakeholders—to conduct a factual and result-oriented review of the actions taken over the past six months regarding the mandate received and commitments made for controlling corruption and promoting good governance; to make public the progress achieved; and to remain fully active and accountable in the implementation process.
Saroj Prasad Pandey
Vice President
Transparency International Nepal
