We have adequate infrastructure to control corruption. There are adequate legal and policy provisions. But why are we not able to control corruption? Why did Genji youths have to protest on the streets on September 23 and 24 demanding an end to corruption?

While considering these questions, it is important for all of us to understand and ponder that the primary responsibility of controlling corruption lies with the government, not the executive branch. In addition, the head of every agency and office should take responsibility for controlling corruption within their institutions and structures.

As long as we look to a structure different from the executive to control corruption, we will not be able to bring about the reforms we want.

As I have said before, the head of every office is responsible for corruption and bribery. This recognition, awareness and sense of responsibility should be inculcated in every civil servant, political leadership and other stakeholders.

The incumbent government formed on the foundation of the movement led by Jenji Youth with the basic demand of promoting good governance and controlling corruption in the country has been prioritizing the activities of citizen-friendly administration, corruption control and overall governance reforms.

Similarly, the present government has adopted austerity in public expenditure. Unnecessary recruitments have been stopped, putting a burden on the state exchequer. Without adequate preparation, the budget of the schemes kept in the Red Book has been cut only for the purpose of misuse.

We have stood up ruthlessly against the tendency of taking undesirable facilities and misusing the resources of the state. The government has been working very sensitively to provide public services directly related to the citizens such as citizenship, passport, driving license and in an easy, quick and accessible manner.

The task of preparing a roadmap for good governance to guide the next government after the upcoming elections has also reached the final stage. We have encouraged the existing structures of the state to be active with full professional freedom to intensify action against corruption.

There have been some results. We have laid the foundation for some far-reaching results. However, these efforts alone are not enough to build the good governance and corruption-free Nepal that not only the Genji youth, but the common Nepali citizens want. There is a need to take more drastic and ruthless measures.

After the Jenji movement, we focused a lot on preventing further conflict from escalating and creating an environment conducive for the election by maintaining peace and order. I am confident that the government that comes with a new mandate after the election will take further steps in line with the spirit of Jenji.

From this forum, I would like to urge everyone to take the upcoming election of Falgun 21 as a great campaign to establish good conduct in the country. Let’s make the House of Representatives a place of people’s representatives with a clean image and clear commitment against corruption.

TAG_OPEN_em_23 Excerpts from Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s address at the 35th Foundation Day function of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)