Hetauda, December 9

Province 3 Chief Minister Dormani Poudel today said the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority’s order to halt works after complaints were filed had adversely affected development works across the country.

Speaking at a programme organised to mark International Anti-corruption Day in Hetauda, Chief Minister Poudel argued that the anti-graft body would not have to stall development for investigating complaints that had been registered. “CIAA’s terror has spread across the country,” Poudel said, adding, “Development work has come to a standstill due to fear of the anti-graft body.”

CM Poudel urged the CIAA to clarify the reasons for halting works before investigating the complaints. “It is not good for the CIAA to torment any local level and people’s representatives without probing the complaint,” he added.

CM Poudel appealed the CIAA to end the practice of halting development works with the registration of a complaint. “All have got pretext to halt work by filing complaints,” he stated.

Poudel said it was the responsibility of all and sundry to help build a corruption-free society. He stressed the need to adopt good character in their lives. Poudel said his government had adopted zero tolerance against corruption and support from all was necessary to check corruption. Poudel said people in public posts have to translate zero tolerance towards graft into their lives to help make a corruption-free society.

“Corruption will come to an end only if public position holders carry out their duty sincerely. Not fulfilling one’s duty with honesty is also a form of corruption,” he added.