Fighting Corruption
KHILENDRA BASNYAT
Nepal has a plethora of problems that it has to tackle. Among these and one of the vexing ones is the problem of corruption which is deep rooted in Nepali public life? No sector has remained unaffected.
In fact, corruption is not a recent problem in Nepal. It has been here since long. However, what has been matter of grave concern is the rapid matter in which the level of corruption has escalated.
Corruption, a social malaise, has hindered national development and posed a serious threat to the democratic system. It has not only shattered the tattered economy of the nation but had also weakened the whole social fabric of the people in general. It is undoubtedly alarming the way many are seeking easy money even if it has to be earned illegally. Apart from these, it is distressing how the society seems to accept such people who are known to be involved in immoral as well as illegal activities.
A parliamentary report concludes that corruption exists at all levels-political, bureaucratic and economic. Corruption has found widespread coverage in media, and basically every citizen is aware if the evil. This evil, although a disgrace to the nation, has become a fact in our life. We are living with this reality, however bitter the taste. The phenomenon continues unabated in spite of formulation of acts, media coverage and public awareness in general.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has a dismal performance to show. It virtually limps with the excuse of cooperation from the government in the Implementation of its recommendations. Although CIAA is a body provided for by the constitution to fight corruption, it still claims that sufficient legal provisions are lacking. While this is the state with this anti-corruption body, it has been observed that corruption has bred and thrived with political leadership providing protection to the corrupt.
In the past, corruption was rampant among parliamentarians. Horse trading, misuse of diplomatic passports, enforcement of bills to increase pay and perks of law-makers vis-à-vis avoidance of customs on cars were some other anomalies. Nothing seemed to have been done for public in general. However, there was a price hike, increase in violent activities poverty and unemployment in the country.
No doubt, being a member of the parliament makes one a privileged person. However this does not give one the right to do anything that pleased oneself. This exactly has been the simmering question in the past.
In fact, parliament is the place where people`s representatives try to meet the aspirations of the people, find solutions to the problems that face the nation. The ultimate idea is to work for laws that aim at development and better quality of life for the people. If honesty and integrity prevails, then there can be no reason for the people to fill dissatisfied.
Actually, there is no lack of laws in the country to fight corruption. However laws are not enough to fight it. The will and courage to implement them is equally important. Furthermore, awareness among the people is also essential. If the corrupt people were abhorred by the society and boycotted socially, this malpractice would not flourish the way we have seen it do in recent years.
Since corruption is crippling the whole nation and creating an unequal distribution of wealth, tough laws, the sincerity to implement them and public awareness are important for such an awareness to be created.