Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The government has mandated that all public officeholders must submit their asset declarations before beginning their duties, reinforcing existing regulations and aiming to improve transparency. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued directives to all subordinate agencies to collect asset information in advance.
Previously, public officials were required to submit asset declarations after assuming office, but the government has now intensified enforcement through a circular issued via the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office. On 26 Shrawan, the ministry instructed all municipalities, rural municipalities, and central civil service offices (Nijamati) to implement the new directive.
A report for the fiscal year 2080/81 revealed that 5,504 government employees and officials at federal, provincial, and local levels failed to submit their asset declarations. Out of the total officials obligated to file—488,280 at the federal level, 19,834 at the provincial level, and 273,239 at the local level—99.30% complied, leaving a small fraction non-compliant. The report shows a declining trend in non-compliance compared to previous years.
Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 (Section 50(1)), public officials must submit an updated asset declaration within 60 days of assuming office and within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year. Failure to comply invites penalties under Section 50(3) of the same act, including a fine of Rs 10,000. Authorities may also investigate any suspected illegal assets in the name of the official or their family.
The new enforcement measure follows recommendations from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and findings by the National Vigilance Centre, which highlighted an increase in officials failing to submit asset declarations. Officials not complying within the stipulated period will face legal action in accordance with the law.
This move is seen as a significant step toward enhancing accountability and curbing corruption among government employees and public officeholders across federal, provincial, and local levels.
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