Chief Secretary Aryal Directs: Officials Will Be Held Accountable in Cases of Corruption

The government has issued a warning that in cases of corruption, favoritism, or irregularities, the heads of the concerned agencies and the secretaries of the ministries will be held responsible. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Balen Shah, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal has issued a circular instructing all secretaries to prioritize anti-corruption measures. Chief Secretary Aryal has directed all agencies to take necessary actions to eradicate corruption and establish good governance, and to report any irregularities found. Dated 19 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

The government has publicly warned that any corruption, favoritism, or irregularity occurring within a department or office will lead to accountability of the head of that agency and the ministry secretary. Through the circular issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary Aryal reiterated the government’s commitment to ending corruption. The circular emphasized that eliminating policy, institutional, and procedural corruption in public bodies and establishing good governance remains the government’s top priority, urging secretaries to focus on effective implementation.

The circular states, “All ministries, commissions, offices, and subordinate agencies must take necessary actions to end corruption arising from the abuse of public positions and authority in service delivery, development projects, revenue administration, contracting, and procurement processes. Efforts must be made to establish good governance and integrity to a level perceptible to the citizens.” The Chief Secretary instructed agencies under his jurisdiction to maintain vigilant oversight of any possible corruption and irregularities, and to immediately report related information to the relevant authority. He also warned that if any irregularities or corruption are detected within an agency, its head or the executing official will initially be held responsible. Chief Secretary Aryal has further requested suggestions on policy, legal, institutional, and procedural reforms to prevent financial irregularities and corruption.