Post-Gen Z Movement: What Does the Good Governance Roadmap Say About Civil Service, Anti-Corruption Bodies, and Judiciary?
Following the Gen Z movement, a committee established to draft a good governance roadmap has recommended implementing merit- and competition-based appointment systems within anti-corruption bodies and the judiciary, citing ongoing political interference in these institutions. The committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, submitted a report this week to Nepal’s Chief Secretary. The report includes structural, policy, and technological suggestions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of corruption control.
The committee’s summary, encompassing over 200 points, emphasizes transparent monitoring of asset declarations by judges and judicial officials and increasing accountability within court administration. The committee’s Secretary mentioned that the report was developed after extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, and there is an expectation that the new government will implement its recommendations.
In Bhadra (August-September), the Gen Z youth-led movement demanding an end to corruption and improved governance resulted in the removal of the KP Oli-led government. The movement, which claimed the lives of 77 people, preceded the dissolution of the House of Representatives, and in last month’s parliamentary elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as a political force securing nearly two-thirds of the seats. Prior to the election, the government led by Sushila Karki had formed this committee to study and prepare a good governance roadmap.
The committee’s report incorporates necessary reforms across all three tiers of government, various ministries, constitutional bodies, and the judiciary. It also addresses indispensable steps to enhance public trust in civil service, constitutional organizations, and security forces.
During the Gen Z protests, youth voiced slogans against corruption and expressed dissatisfaction with political interference in multiple institutions. The good governance roadmap outlines expectations from citizens for impartial investigations and strict actions against those involved in corruption, simplified and hassle-free public service delivery, and the use of digital technologies to reduce corruption. It also calls for granting independence and strengthening anti-corruption agencies such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Office of the Auditor General, and the National Vigilance Centre, emphasizing the need to move forward decisively in this direction.
