National Integrity Policy: An Effort to Control or to Establish Good Governance?
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Experts have raised questions regarding the foundation for implementing the national integrity policy introduced by the government, aiming to hold government, private, and public sectors, along with citizens, accountable within a disciplined framework and good governance.
Last week, the Cabinet approved the integrity policy based on eight core principles, including patriotism, loyalty, and civic participation, with the objective of ensuring ethics, professional integrity, and honesty.
The policy includes several provisions to regulate non-governmental sectors, international organizations, and diplomatic agencies strictly.
A former law minister noted that most provisions are already present in existing laws, and rather than introducing a new policy, emphasis should be placed on the effective implementation of existing legislation.
The government plans to draft separate acts and regulations for the implementation of the integrity policy and intends to issue codes of conduct for various agencies.
What Do Experts Think About the New Policy?
Madhav Paudel, former law minister and chairperson of the Nepal Law Commission, explained that similar integrity policies are internationally common and pointed out that there is little novelty in the government’s current policy.
He said, “I don’t say it’s bad to introduce this, but the elements it mentions already exist sectorally. It talks about introducing an integrity code of conduct and an Integrity Act. Until this law is enacted, this policy alone cannot be effectively implemented.”
He further stated that, given that existing rules, laws, and codes of conduct are not being followed, there seems to be no basis for effective implementation of the integrity policy. “There is no one to ensure compliance through additional codes or laws,” he added.
Roshan Paudel, assistant campus chief and associate professor at Nepal Law Campus, believes the current government introduced the integrity policy to reinforce commitment to good governance and a corruption-free society amidst changing political circumstances.
She stated, “We have scattered laws. This policy attempts to encompass not just government but many sectors, showing the state’s desire to apply equal measures to good governance. It should be trusted as well-intended without initial skepticism.”
As a lawyer, she added, “The absence of a policy does not prevent establishing integrity; it is achievable with existing structures and laws.”
What Types of Provisions Does the Policy Include?
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The policy defines roles for twelve entities including citizens, legislature, public officials, political parties, financial sectors, and diplomatic domains.
It assigns responsibilities to citizens to respect laws in exercising rights, actively participate in public matters, and protect democratic principles.
The policy emphasizes citizens’ duties including voting, volunteering, participating in community activities, and preserving cultural civility.
Former law minister Paudel states, “Rather than control citizens closely, it reiterates the importance of respecting the constitution and laws. It introduces some strict measures in the diplomatic sector, such as requiring coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for meetings.”
Since Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office, protocols have tightened, requiring diplomatic meetings to be coordinated by the Foreign Ministry.
The policy states that sensitive bilateral or multilateral diplomatic views can only be expressed with Foreign Minister approval, and confidential information must not be shared with foreign parties.
Activities or opinions that negatively impact Nepal’s relations with neighbors or other countries are explicitly prohibited.
The policy also outlines future regulations for NGOs and international non-governmental organizations.
It directs NGOs to maintain political neutrality and proper documentation of their activities.
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International NGOs are required to comply with Nepal’s constitution and prioritize local needs over organizational interests when deploying aid.
The policy prohibits spreading undesirable slander, hatred, or animosity against Nepal and insists on accountable operations along with mandatory reporting to designated bodies.
Institutional responsibilities for maintaining integrity and good governance are assigned, with evaluation and recognition based on ethical conduct.
Legislators must avoid attending parliamentary committees or meetings where they have personal interest conflicts, and must not use official powers for personal gain.
There is a provision requiring prior written disclosure of any personal conflict of interest and abstention from such matters.
Political parties are required to publicly disclose their performance and finances, and use their positions and confidential information solely for public interest.
The media is expected to avoid distortion of information, protect individual privacy, and actively prevent the spread of false information, hatred, and rumors.
The policy also aims to promote moral education in society and enhance religious tolerance.
Foreign nationals are expected to respect Nepal’s laws, traditions, and social values and to refrain from interfering in sensitive political matters.
Roshan Paudel believes the policy contains some positive elements and expresses hope it will be effectively implemented.
What Is the Prime Minister’s Office Response?
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Hemraj Aryal, spokesperson for the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, stated that the integrity policy is the result of extended efforts and that the concept will be put into practice.
He said, “The policy covers many sectors. The envisioned principles will be legislated and implemented. Some aspects can be enforced even without specific laws.”
He added that the policy contains natural expectations intended to encourage citizens and stakeholders to review and become conscious about their responsibilities.
Although some view the integrity policy as an initial framework, it is believed that upcoming laws and regulations will provide legal provisions and enforcement authority.
Spokesperson Aryal emphasized, “If individuals, institutions, and society are all ethical, the nation itself becomes integrity-driven. This should be seen as an effort to establish good governance rather than merely a control measure.”
The policy commits to drafting a National Integrity Code encompassing ethical standards for all sectors within six months.
Additionally, a National Integrity Bill will be prepared within six months, followed by enactment of the Act and regulations within one year for implementation.
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