Kavre, August 17

Minister of Communications and Information Gokul Prasad Baskota today claimed that corruption cases in the country had not increased.

Speaking at a programme organised by Province 3 Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, in Banepa, Baskota claimed that the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority was bringing the corrupt to book. “The anti-graft body is working actively. Corruption cases in the country have decreased due to the active role of the CIAA,” Minister Baskota said.

The minister urged construction entrepreneurs and others to stop giving extra money to government officials to get their work done fast. “I request you to notify concerned agencies if you find illegal dealing of money to get a work done at government offices,” he said.

He urged Nepali construction entrepreneurs to develop their capacity to carry out big development projects. “It is not good to move the court when you do not get the tender. You have to enhance your capacity,” Minister Baskota.

He argued that the construction field was one of the major pillars of development. He asked construction entrepreneurs to help the government with social work as well. He assured that the government was ready to talk to entrepreneurs on the amended Public Procurement Act.

Meanwhile, speaking at a province-level conference of Federation of Computer Association of Nepal in Dhulikhel, Baskota said tax evaders were reluctant to adopt digital financial service. “But, they will be forced to adopt digital service in the near future as part of the government’s initiative to control corruption,” he said.