Kathmandu, February 11

Chief of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Lokman Singh Karki today said that the anti-graft body’s latest crusade against corruption drew criticism and threat of impeachment against him, but he was committed to carrying out his duties.

Issuing a statement on the occasion of silver jubilee of the CIAA, Karki said he would not be cowed by threats or swayed by anybody while discharging his duties.

The CIAA cancelled its formal programme scheduled for today to mark its silver jubilee celebrations as the nation mourns the death of Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala.

Karki said in the statement that his only aim was to protect the basic rights of Nepali citizens and their bright future. He said he had no greed and personal interest and that he would not deviate from his duty entrusted by the God and the state.

He also stated that he would discharge his duties impartially and without any prejudices against anybody.

The CIAA chief said that the anti-graft body would not pause its efforts to ensure citizens hassle-free and easy access to basic facilities relating to food, shelter, clothing and education.

He said frequent policy change, administrative delays, procedural complexities and corruption were the main factors that slowed development and socio-economic progress of the country.

Karki further said the anti-graft body would make all efforts to enable all the government employees to discharge their duties with high morale.

“I assure all the government officers that the commission will make a wise decision keeping in mind the compulsions the government offices face while discharging their duties.

I therefore, urge all the government officers to devote their services to the public in a disciplined and honest manner without having any fear in their mind,” said Karki.

He stated that the anti-graft body was always conscious that its activities should be lawful, impartial and transparent and it should respect individuals’ human rights and personal dignity while discharging its duties.

The curtailing of CIAA’s powers in the new constitution, Karki argued, was a cause for concern.

“All of us are worried whether the curtailing of CIAA’s powers will lead to slackness in the fight against corruption,” Karki warned. He urged the stakeholders to amend the new constitution to make the commission an independent body with more powers.

He, however, said the commission was ready to shoulder its responsibility even if its jurisdiction was not expanded through an amendment to the constitution.

Karki said service delivery was being affected as public officers tended to delay decision making process.

He also stated that there was a tendency among civil servants to get endorsement of the Council of Ministers even for the things on which they have full authority to take decisions.

“In order to control such things, I believe the subject of policy decision, its criteria and justifications should be clearly mentioned,” Karki said and stated that the commission would keep a vigil on civil servants who do not take decision themselves and forward the matter to the Council of Ministers for endorsement.

Karki said there could not be two opinions about the existence of policy-level and petty corruption in the country.

“If all the governing powers, individuals and bodies commit themselves against corruption, the destination of good governance and economic prosperity is not very far,” Karki said in his statement.

Karki said citizens’ opinion and CIAA’s own monitoring showed that public bodies were still not performing their works in a transparent and responsible manner.

He said syndicate, cartelling, hooliganism and existence of multiple trade unions were discouraging investors from investing in the country.