Government Pledges Transparent Policy Decisions and Competitive Judicial Appointments

The government has committed to promptly initiating an investigation into the assets of individuals who have held public office since 2046 BS. The Cabinet plans to clearly define policy decisions and delineate administrative and political spheres of work. Additionally, information technology has been declared a national strategic industry, with policies set to promote the development of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. April 14, Kathmandu.

The government decided to immediately advance the investigation of assets owned by public officials since 2046 BS. The draft ‘National Commitment,’ made public on Tuesday, states that asset verification will be conducted through transparent and legal procedures. Previously, the government had announced the formation of an asset investigation committee under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers within 15 days; however, the committee has yet to be established. Government officials have claimed that preparations for forming the committee are underway.

Currently, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) can only investigate the assets of public officials when complaints are filed. However, the asset verification of judges is not under the CIAA’s jurisdiction but should be conducted by the Judicial Council. In 2058 BS, an asset investigation commission was formed under the leadership of Judge Bhairav Prasad Lamsal, but no further judicial commissions have been formed since then.

The government has committed to clearly defining the ‘policy decisions’ made by the Cabinet.