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Zero tolerance for corruption and good governance have been the buzzwords in public administration in Nepal in recent years. However, the reality paints a different picture as corruption continues to proliferate at an alarming rate.

Although Nepal’s standing has marginally improved in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, reaching a score of 35 this year, corruption remains a significant challenge for the country. Since Transparency International identifies a score below 50 as indicative of a high risk of corruption, there is a pressing need for Nepal to redouble its efforts in combating corruption and promoting good governance.

Prem Kumar Rai, the Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), said that the desired success in controlling corruption cannot be achieved unless politicians, employees, and citizens across all three tiers of government, exhibit a sense of responsibility towards good governance.

According to the CIAA’s annual report, different forms of corruption are rampant in Nepal. Here are some of them:

Infrastructure development

Following the adoption of federalism, corruption has thrived in development and construction projects implemented by all levels of government. Instances of misusing state resources during budget allocation, grants distribution, and service delivery have surged. The CIAA has received a significant number of complaints over the past five years related to bribery, illicit gains, and acquisition of illegal assets.

Procurement

The trend of making unnecessary purchases by public offices is on the rise. Construction companies are colluding with government officials to stifle competition in public procurement and construction projects. Direct procurement without competitive bidding has become increasingly common, Such cases are particularly evident during times of disasters. Allocation of budgets without proper justification and planning, as well as procurement without adherence to standards, are growing challenges in combating corruption.

Intermediaries

Middlemen have infiltrated public offices and are obstructing service delivery of these offices. As a result, the general public is forced to pay a fee for services they are supposed to get free of cost.

Appointments

Corruption is rampant in employee appointments. Some public institutions have become like recruitment centers for cadres of ruling parties. Staffers are being promoted without considering merit and criteria. Such activities have also led to misuse of government resources such as vehicles and fuel.

Land

Land-related irregularities are widespread across the country. Government land and forest land being leased for commercial purposes at minimal rates to serve the interests of certain individuals and groups. Encroachment on public, Guthi, and forest lands are going unabated. Recent land scams related to Lalita Niwas, Bansbari Leather factory and Nepal Trust shows this has become a chronic issue.

Political appointments

The practice of appointing offenders to various positions in public offices perpetuates corruption. Instances of appointees with foreign residency permits and those listed as absconding criminals shows the government is taking good governance very lightly. Political affiliations often outweigh qualifications and experience in appointments in all three tiers of governments. 

Revenue leakage

Incidents of revenue leakage are on the rise. As many as 49 such cases were reported to the CIAA in 2022/23 alone. Unjustified exemptions in customs duty and taxes as well as activities such as revenue evasion through under-invoicing, are on the rise. Authorities responsible for curbing such activities have failed in their duties, according to CIAA.

Policy corruption

Policy corruption has emerged as a significant issue in recent years. Decisions that fall under the purview of ministries and departments are being routed through the cabinet to evade scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies. The CIAA has long been calling for all three tiers of government to maintain transparency in their decision making process.

The CIAA is formulating an institutional strategic plan to address the challenges identified during its fourth strategic plan review. It has provided 22 recommendations to public offices to enhance transparency, competition, and quality in public procurement, among others.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandra Dhakal, has requested world business leaders to connect with Nepal's virgin land of opportunities.

He urged the world businesspersons to invest specifically in Nepal's hydro power, tourism, agriculture and production.

Addressing the World Governments Summit-2024 organized in Dubai, UAE, President Dhakal informed the global business leaders that Nepal is a country with immense potential for economic growth and development. Located between the two largest markets of the world- India and China, Nepal has duty free market access to India, China and other developed countries. This means world investors can produce in Nepal and sell to the world, he made them aware.

In his address on behalf of Nepal's private sector, President Dhakal said, "Our government has been making efforts to improve the business environment by implementing reforms to simplify business procedures, reduce regulatory burden and enhance transparency. We are organizing the Investment Summit 2024 on April 28 and 29 this year."

He also shared that as part of the preparations for the Summit, the private sector has proposed amendments in 12 laws and regulations.

Similarly, the Nepal government has finalized the framework agreement of bilateral investment agreement, which will soon be materialized with potential partner countries.

"We have also been investing in infrastructure development to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs and promote economic growth. Nepal has a lot of untapped potential in sectors, such as hydropower, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing," he reiterated, adding that the government has relaxed a few provisions on investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, theme parks and cable cars.

The FNCCI President also shared that he had developed three cable cars in three different provinces and saw a huge potential in developing cable cars in hill stations close to the Indian border.

He argued that it could be a rewarding investment sector for foreign investors. "I would like to welcome you all to grab this investment opportunity. We believe that these sectors can play a vital role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities," Dhakal underlined.

He also committed to creating an environment conducive for businesses to thrive in Nepal. Nepal is also pursuing a liberal trade policy to promote exports and attract foreign investments. Dhakal expressed confidence that they would be excited to consume organic agro products produced on the lap of Himalayas and fresh water of high mountains. Nepal is well connected to the Middle East, according to him.

He mentioned that Nepal is looking for technical support from the UAE government and business community to produce and export here. Similarly, Nepal is working to improve trade relations with other countries and create a level playing field for businesses.

"In the last seven months we organized business summits in India, China and the UAE too. I would like to thank the government of the UAE and also Dubai Chambers for partnering with us to organize the event. We are now connected with Dubai Chambers to further explore possibilities to work together," he mentioned during the address.

The business leader of Nepal informed that FNCCI would also be holding its AGM on April 10, for which he extended an invitation to the world businesspersons.

FNCCI is the apex body of Nepali private sectors with around 600,000 direct and indirect members.

The World Governments Summit is held under the theme of 'Shaping Future Governments' on February 12-14.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 5. 91 points to close at 2,076. 50 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 2. 27 points to close at 372. 27 points.

A total of 12,363,027-unit shares of 302 companies were traded for Rs 4. 25 billion.

Meanwhile, Nepal Finance Ltd. (NFS), Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) Limited (BNL) and Panchthar Power Compant Limited (PPCL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, People's Power Limited (PPL) was the top loser as its price fell by 5. 81 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 26 trillion.

The Lumbini Development Trust has canceled all the contracts made with the Promised Land Pvt Ltd in relation to the controversial construction project in the Ramagram area.

The executive committee meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the fund’s chair and Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, decided to cancel all the works including the agreements made with the company.

The Lumbini Development Trust had inked a deal with he Promised Land Pvt Ltd, a private company owned by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s landlord Sharada Prasad Adhikari’s son Nikesh Adhikari for the excavation and construction of stupa within Gautam Buddha’s ossuary mausoleum in Nawalparasi’s Ramagrama area.

It was revealed that the trust Vice-chair Lharkyal Lama had initiated the Rs 7bn project despite objections from various authorities. Concerns over transparency were raised after it was revealed that the project proceeded without due procedures.

The contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process as per the procurement laws.

Earlier, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the House of Representatives (HoR) had directed the authorities concerned to repeal the agreement to acquire a piece of land in Ramagrama area in Lumbini and lease it to a private company for 99 years.

The committee, in its meeting on Sunday, had looked out for financial resources for the research, development and conservation related to the Ramgram area and directed the government to scrap the deal between the Lumbini Development Trust and the Promised Land Pvt Ltd.

The committee also decided to direct the government to scrap the agreement related to the Ramgram area and inked by the Lumbini Development Trust effective from Sunday.

The committee instructed the government to take forward further investigations on this issue and ensure that this kind of act does not get repeated in other places.

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the Basanta Panchami ceremony and listened to the recitation of religious scriptures celebrating Goddess Saraswati at Nasal Chowk of Hanumandhoka today.

The basanta shravan is organized every year on Saraswati puja. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and learning.

President Paudel also received tika and prasad on the occasion.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and high -evel dignitaries also attended the ceremony.

I’m a 47-year-old woman and a mother of two children. I’ve raised my children alone for the past two decades since my husband and I separated. His recent passing hasn’t drastically changed our lives, but societal expectations weigh heavily on me. People don’t understand what I have been through. While I find accepting things easier now than when he left, I’m grappling with the pressure to conform to societal norms. I’ve agreed to participate in rituals for him but I question their necessity. I’ve become more conscious of how I should present my emotions as I fear judgment. How do I navigate these complex feelings?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

Your journey as a single mother over the past two decades reflects your remarkable strength and unwavering acceptance. However, navigating the passing of an estranged spouse while also balancing societal expectations can be disheartening.

First and foremost, it’s imperative to recognize and honor your feelings, irrespective of any external pressures or societal norms. Your emotional well-being must be the main priority, and it’s crucial to validate your experience fully. Remember, every emotion you’re experiencing is valid, and you possess the resilience and inner strength necessary to navigate this challenging journey while staying true to yourself.

Grieving is a deeply personal process, and you have every right to mourn in your unique way, free from the constraints of societal expectations. Your journey as a single mother, marked by resilience and fortitude, speaks volumes about your ability to overcome adversity. It’s entirely natural to feel a myriad of emotions, ranging from relief to sadness and even a sense of closure, following the passing of your estranged spouse.

You owe no one an explanation for your emotions or how you choose to process them. It’s crucial to prioritize your emotional well-being and permit yourself to grieve at your own pace and manner. While participating in rituals or ceremonies may offer solace and closure to some, remember that it’s entirely your choice whether to partake in them. Trust your instincts and honor what feels right for you. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who genuinely understand and respect the complexities of your journey.

Self-compassion is paramount during this challenging time. Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion regularly. Remind yourself that it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize your own well-being and emotional needs. Grant yourself the grace to feel whatever emotions arise, without judgment or self-criticism.

Should you find yourself facing judgment or criticism from others, consider seeking solace in the company of a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. These people can offer you a safe and non-judgmental space to process your emotions and find comfort amidst the storm.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 200 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 116, 500 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 117, 700 per tola on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 115, 950 per tola. It was traded at Rs 117, 150 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 30 and is being traded at Rs 1,365 per tola today.

The death toll in a jeep accident in Palpa has reached 10.

Eight people died on the spot while two breathed their last during the course treatment at the Lumbini Medical College.

Eighteen people were injured in the accident.

According to the District Police Office (DPO), Palpa, the accident took place at Masyam of Tinau Rural Municipality-6 in the district on Tuesday. The injured have been sent to Lumbini Medical College in Palpa for treatment.

The tragedy occurred when the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 2371) heading towards Chidis, Kusumkhola in Palpa from Dumre in Tanahun district veered off the road and fell some 300 meters down the road near Eco Farm House at Masyam.

The deceased have been identified as 60-year-old Yan Kumari Panta, 39-year-old Ram Bahadur Aslami, 67-year-old Krishna Bahadur Aslami and 28-year-old Urmila Aslami of Masyam, Tinau Rural Municipality-6.

Chandra Ranapal (70) and Chuna Ranapal (60) of Tamnagar, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-14, Rupandehi district also died in the accident.

Similarly, the casualties include 20-year-old Gita Sunar of Khursane, Tinau-2, 66-year-old Bishnukala Kami and 65-year-old Dil Kumari Sunar of Khyaha, Ribdikot rural municipality-1, and 29-year-old Dilmaya GC of Devdaha Municipality-5, Rupandehi, said Inspector Sugandha Shrestha, the Information Officer at the District Police Office, Palpa.

According to him, the jeep driver, 45-year-old Dan Bahadur Chidi of Tansen Municipality-10, has been arrested for investigation.