KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has pledged the government's full support to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) regarding its investigations and prosecutions against cases of corruption.

In his address to a programme organised on the occasion of the 33rd establishment day of the CIAA here today, the Prime Minister acknowledged the role of CIAA in minimizing corruption and promoting good governance since its establishment. All small and big cases of corruption from various times are the concerns of the CIAA, he added.

'The government is committed to bringing all those responsible for corruption, no matter who they are and what posts they hold, into the investigation process and under the prosecution, and the government will never intervene the CIAA in its actions against corruption,' he said.

Commending the role of CIAA in promoting good governance, the Prime Minister urged the constitutional body to further prove its significance and move ahead with more dedication in the fight against corruption.

'The prevention of corruption is a must to meet aspirations for durable peace, good governance, development and prosperity envisaged by the Constitution,' the head of the government said, adding that the government adopted a policy of zero tolerance against corruption.

According to him, the government policies and programmes and the budget are focused on strengthening the CIAA and similar organizations legally, administratively and economically.

Describing corruption as a significant hurdle to the establishment of good governance, the Prime Minister advised the CIAA to keep citizen's faith on it intact.

Citing that the prevention of corruption is essential to advance towards the goals of development and prosperity of the nation, the Prime Minister stressed that the CIAA should further take measures to highlight its historic contribution to the establishment of a rule of law, protection of human rights and the guarantee of inclusive and equitable governance.

He expressed his hope that the CIAA would act more effectively ahead in the efforts to establish a corruption-free society.

Stating that nature, practices, intensity and dimensions of corruption are changing with the worldwide development of technology rapidly, the Prime Minister urged the CIAA to seek help of new innovations in its investigations procedures as well, ensuing that its each move is crucial and impartial.