Man of substance My Republice BIMAL GAUTAM New CIAA Chief “One should be judged by his performance, not by his past…” I tweeted the day Lok Man Singh Karki was named chief commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The decision to name him to the post was taken by the Constitutional Council (CC) despite mounting pressure from vested interest groups, a section of the media and so-called civil society activists. While immense pressure was put on the-then government not to appoint Karki to the post, the top brass of main political parties had succumbed to the ‘sponsored’ hue and cry, surprising many by speaking against their own decision to recommend Karki. Despite massive pressure, former Prime Minister Khil Raj Regmi, who was also the head of CC, was determined about his decision. He was of the opinion that the decision to recommend Karki as head of CIAA was taken to boost good governance. This author, working as a press advisor to the-then PM Regmi, not only had to encounter several questions, but also received threats not to support Karki’s appointment. However, I backed his appointment as I was clear that Karki was a deserving candidate. I made statements before journalists defending him and tweeting in his favor. Many had expressed doubts saying Karki couldn’t rein in corruption, and work for the betterment of the country and the people. However, as this author had tweeted, if Karki is to be judged on his performance, all the speculations, criticisms and negative remarks related to his appointment have been proved wrong in just one-and-a-half years. If the CIAA’s activities are to be assessed fairly, it has not only created ripples in society but also emboldened the masses to speak against corruption. Following the CIAA’s activities (either someone is arrested while receiving bribe or charge-sheeted at the Special Court almost every day) corruption, malpractices and instances of giving and receiving bribes have significantly gone down. The CIAA chief has not only proven his competence, but has also given out a clear message: he can control deep-rooted corruption in the country. His activities clearly show that Karki is working for the betterment of the country and people. Though he has much to do in the days ahead, he indisputably deserves accolades for what he has done so far. Karki’s background Many neutral political analysts believe that being a bold, courageous and experienced administrator, he deserves the position he is in today. Karki had proven his competence by taking action against a powerful businessman many years ago. In the capacity of director general of Revenue Investigation Department, he astounded many by arresting late Mohan Gopal Khetan (some even used to call him a kingmaker) on charges of violating foreign exchange regulation and tax evasion. Many still interpret that unprecedented move as a milestone in revenue collection. Becoming chief secretary during King Gyanendra Shah’s regime was not Karki’s fault. To comply with bureaucratic norms, he had carried out his duties as per the requirements. Had there been any other ‘revolutionary’ figure in his position during the time, he/she would also have done the same. Therefore, this author was never convinced about the negative remarks that Karki was not fit for any position after the 2006 people’s movement. How could he be excluded from opportunities when those who committed even more severe mistakes are being rewarded in the aftermath of people’s movement? TI Report Karki has been doing outstanding job in controlling corruption in the country in short span of time. During his one-and-half-years in position, about 200 corruption cases have been filed at the Special Court where 560 people have been made defendants. The CIAA has said that Rs 2.5 billion has to be recovered from them. Filing corruption cases almost on a daily basis, nabbing suspects red-handed and initiating investigations in new corruption cases has become regular business for CIAA. If there is any institution working sincerely in Nepal, it is irrefutably the CIAA. Transparency International (TI)’s Corruption Perceptions Index shows that Nepal has made some progress in curtailing corruption. According to TI report, in 2012, Nepal secured 27th position out of 100 (where 100 indicate least corruption and 0 refers to maximum). In 2013, the year the CIAA got its new head after a wait of seven years, Nepal secured 31st position out of 100. The TI stated that CIAA’s rigorous activities were one of the main reasons behind Nepal making progress in corruption control. ‘Terror’ among bureaucrats Some are accusing the CIAA of terrorizing civil servants. They also blame that bureaucrats are hesitant to take bold decisions as they fear possible CIAA action. This is a baseless allegation. If civil servants are carrying out their duties honestly complying with legal provisions, they don’t have to worry. Those who have long been indulging in activities like receiving bribe and misusing state resources have to be brought to justice, without any sympathy. This author believes that if the CIAA keeps going at this rate, public offices such as District Administration Office, Transport Management, Foreign Employment Offices, Customs Offices among others will be more effective and transparent and service seekers will get their work done in time without paying bribes and in a hassle-free manner. Expectation from CIAA Despite lauding the CIAA’s ongoing activities, people seem to be expecting more from the national anti-graft body. On many occasions, it is said that the CIAA must dare to investigate graft cases against high-profile leaders and bureaucrats. I don’t think the CIAA chief Karki is unaware of this public sentiment. He might just be waiting for appropriate time. Let’s hope that the time will soon come and public expectations will be fulfilled. Though there have rarely been any complaints against CIAA’s recent moves, we have a number of instances where the Special Court and Supreme Court raised serious questions against CIAA’s investigation myrepublica/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=82573
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 06:13:12 +0000
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