The bill, which incorporates recommendations from a sub-committee led by Hridaya Ram Thani, was unanimously approved during Thursday’s committee meeting chaired by Ram Hari Khatiwada.

The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Nepal’s House of Representatives passed a significant bill on Thursday aimed at amending the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059. This legislative move marks a pivotal step in the country’s ongoing battle against corruption, a pervasive issue that has long hindered economic development and governance.

The bill, which incorporates recommendations from a sub-committee led by Hridaya Ram Thani, was unanimously approved during Thursday’s committee meeting chaired by Ram Hari Khatiwada. The session also featured Minister for Home Affairs, Ramesh Lekhak, who advocated for the bill on behalf of the government, stating, “This amendment reflects the government’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels. We urge all members to support its implementation.”

The amendment’s approval follows extensive deliberations among lawmakers and stakeholders. Among those present were former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa. Both leaders reiterated their support for stringent anti-corruption measures.

“During my tenure as Prime Minister, I emphasised that no one is above the law when it comes to corruption,” Dahal said. He urged the government to prioritise reclaiming public assets, such as Shera Durbar of Nuwakot, which has been embroiled in controversy.

Thapa echoed similar sentiments, demanding a comprehensive investigation into high-profile corruption cases, including the Shera Durbar, Lalita Niwas, and Giribandhu scams. “It is imperative to establish a special commission to ensure thorough investigations. We need justice for the innocent and accountability for the guilty, regardless of their political affiliations,” he added.

Nepal’s Corruption Landscape

Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nepal 108th out of 180 countries, with a score of 35 on a scale where 0 represents high corruption and 100 signifies a clean system. While this ranking shows a slight improvement from the previous year, it underscores the persistent challenges Nepal faces in curbing corruption.

Historically, Nepal’s corruption rank has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 154 in 2011 and reaching its lowest point of 90 in 2004. Estimates suggest corruption drains up to $3.3 billion annually from Nepal’s economy, inflating the cost of living and diverting resources meant for development. Transparency International also reports that corruption inflates water costs by 30 per cent and general product prices by 20 per cent.

Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

Nepal’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2011 marked a turning point in its anti-corruption efforts. The government’s National Strategy and Plan of Actions includes 13 sub-strategies and 173 activities aimed at combating corruption. These initiatives align with UNCAC’s principles, focusing on prevention, law enforcement, and asset recovery.

In this context, the recent ‘Partnering in Anti-Corruption Knowledge (PACK)’ has been instrumental. The training brought together government officials, donor agencies, and international organisations, fostering collaboration on anti-corruption strategies.

The PACK workshop highlighted several actionable steps to enhance Nepal’s anti-corruption framework:

1. Consolidation of Anti-Corruption Agencies: Strengthening the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) as the lead agency to streamline efforts.
2. Regional Judicial Strengthening: Establishing regional courts to reduce the burden on central authorities.
3. Rule of Law Enforcement: Enhancing legal frameworks to ensure a stable foundation for development.
4. Judicial Independence and Civil Society Engagement: Promoting free and fair legal proceedings and fostering an active civil society to counter corruption.
5. Private Sector Interaction: Engaging businesses to raise awareness and implement anti-corruption measures.

The donor community, which brings much money into the Himalayan country, has also emphasised the need for criminalising corruption across sectors, including public and private domains, to ensure holistic development.

Broader Implications for Governance and Development

The bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act reflects growing recognition of the economic and social costs of corruption. As Nepal continues to grapple with high-profile cases, public trust in governance hinges on visible and decisive action.

The passage of this legislation by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee sets the stage for parliamentary approval. If enacted, it will strengthen existing laws, introduce stricter penalties for corrupt practices, and bolster Nepal’s compliance with international anti-corruption standards.

While challenges remain, particularly in ensuring the implementation of anti-corruption measures, recent developments signal a positive trajectory. By addressing systemic weaknesses and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Nepal is taking critical steps to build a transparent and accountable governance system.

As the bill progresses to the House of Representatives, the eyes of the nation – and the international community – are on Nepal’s leaders to deliver on their promises and pave the way for a corruption-free future.