KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 27
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to expedite investigations and prosecutions regarding the complaints lodged with the anti-graft constitutional body, expressing concern over the sluggish process of case filing.
The parliamentary oversight committee instructed the CIAA to bring illegal financial activities under the purview of the law. During the PAC's meeting on Tuesday, discussions were held on the implementation status of past directives issued to the CIAA.
During the session, committee members raised questions about the CIAA's slow response to complaints filed over the past few years. Lawmakers also highlighted the CIAA's sluggish investigation and prosecution processes.
Following discussions, PAC Chairperson Rishikesh Pokharel directed the CIAA, stating, "There is a delay in implementing directives issued by the committee at various times. It has been decided to provide directives from the committee to ensure that the commission expedites activities related to addressing complaints and irregularities."
The committee also urged the government to take necessary steps to facilitate legal processes, as it is crucial for the CIAA to gather information from various organizations and agencies abroad during investigations.
Chief Commissioner of the CIAA, Prem Kumar Rai, briefed the meeting on the status of the implementation of directives issued by the PAC to the CIAA. He shared that the CIAA has completed its investigation into the land issue related to the Taragaun Development Committee and has handed it over to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation for further investigation.
Rai added that investigations into the Nepal Airlines Corporation's 'wide-body' aircraft purchase scam are in the final phase.
He also provided information on the CIAA's performance and investigations into the security printing press purchase scam, the Chameliya hydropower project, scientific forest management, and the decision of the Nepal Securities Board to allow the issuance of shares at a premium price.
