Asset Investigation Commission orders public officials since 2005 to submit property details within one month

Sub-headline: Former PMs, ministers, judges, lawmakers, bureaucrats, security officials and state institution heads brought under asset scrutiny; public urged to report suspicious wealth at home and abroad

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Asset Investigation Commission has directed public officials falling under its jurisdiction to submit detailed declarations of their assets within one month, intensifying efforts to investigate suspected illicit wealth accumulation among political leaders, bureaucrats, and senior public office bearers.

Issuing a public notice on Thursday, the commission instructed concerned individuals to furnish comprehensive records of their personal and family-owned assets in both Nepal and abroad, including movable and immovable properties.

The move marks the beginning of what could become one of Nepal’s widest-ranging examinations of wealth accumulation among public office holders, with the commission initially bringing under review officials who have served in public office since 2062 BS (2005/06 AD).

According to the commission’s notice, a broad range of incumbent and former public officials have been placed within the mandatory disclosure framework.

Those required to submit property details include incumbent Prime Ministers, former Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers, alongside current and former ministers, state ministers and assistant ministers.

The commission has also brought current and former Members of Parliament, former Constituent Assembly members, constitutional office bearers, former office holders, former Chief Justices and retired judges under the disclosure requirement.

Senior security and civil administration officials have also been included. These comprise retired Nepal Army officers at joint-secretary level and above, joint-secretary level civil servants, including officials from parliamentary, health and human rights services, as well as senior personnel from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department.

Similarly, under-secretary-level officials who have served as office chiefs must also disclose assets.

The notice further extends to provincial and local government officials, including provincial chiefs, chief ministers, ministers, assistant ministers, provincial assembly members, and former office bearers, as well as heads and deputy heads of local governments, including former officials.

In the financial and diplomatic sectors, the commission has included Nepal Rastra Bank officials from the Governor to joint-secretary level employees, senior officials of government-owned banks and financial institutions, and heads and staff of Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.

Likewise, board officials and former office bearers of public enterprises, senior management officials of state-owned institutions, university and academy office bearers, and employees at joint-secretary level and above have also been asked to disclose assets.

The scope of investigation also covers advisers and secretariat officials appointed to the offices of the Prime Minister and constitutional bodies, as well as advisers and secretarial staff appointed outside the offices of the President and Vice President.

Public Asked to Report Suspicious Wealth

In a parallel move, the commission has called on the general public to report any public office holder suspected of acquiring wealth through corruption or other unlawful means.

In a separate public notice published in Gorkhapatra on Thursday, the commission urged citizens to submit information, evidence, or complaints related to “abnormal accumulation of wealth” by political office holders and government employees entrusted with public responsibility.

The commission said complaints may be lodged against any public official, regardless of whether they fall under the commission’s automatic investigation list.

Authorities noted that suspected illicit wealth may be concealed not only under the names of public officials themselves but also in the names of family members, relatives, associates, or unrelated third parties.

The commission has specifically requested information regarding assets held both inside Nepal and overseas, including documentary evidence, records or other credible information related to suspicious ownership or unexplained wealth.

Citizens have been encouraged to visit the commission office during office hours to submit information where possible. Complainants have also been asked to provide supporting details such as property identification, contact information and email addresses of suspected individuals whenever available.

For those unable to appear in person, complaints can also be filed through postal mail or email, although complainants must disclose their name, address and contact number in the submission.

The commission has assured that the identity of complainants will be kept confidential.

The latest directive comes amid growing public scrutiny over corruption, unexplained wealth accumulation and accountability in Nepal’s political and administrative system, with demands for stronger transparency measures gaining momentum in recent years.