Ministry Seeks Explanation from 14 Employees Accused of Cooperative Irregularities, Forms Committee for Further Study

The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has intensified its investigation into irregularities observed in the cooperative sector. Based on the report of the Cooperative Investigation Commission, the ministry has requested written explanations within seven days from 14 former officials and employees. A five-member committee, led by the Chief of the Administration Division, has been formed to implement the commission’s report and conduct further study. Minister for Cooperatives, Pratibha Rawal, stated that concrete plans have been initiated for structural reforms in the cooperative sector. (19 Jestha, Kathmandu)

The ministry is prepared to implement the recommendations and suggestions outlined in the report submitted by the Cooperative Irregularities Investigation Commission 2082, established per the decision of the Council of Ministers. According to the report, made public following the Council’s decision on Jestha 11, several actions such as cooperative registration, expansion of operational scope, approval of service centers, branch offices, and mergers violated cooperative principles, values, and existing laws. Officials responsible at the time have been asked to provide clarifications.

The report recommended investigating 14 former officials and employees by name. Those asked for explanations range in rank from branch officers to joint secretaries. The ministry has formally communicated with these individuals, requesting detailed written responses within seven days regarding any improper conduct cited in the commission’s report during their tenure. The ministry has warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time will result in legal actions in accordance with prevailing laws.

For further study, the ministry established a five-member committee under the coordination of the Chief of the Administration Division. The committee includes a director from the Cooperative Regulation Authority, a deputy secretary from the ministry’s Legal Division, a deputy registrar from the Cooperative Department, and a deputy secretary from the Cooperative Promotion Division serving as the member secretary. The committee’s mandate is to thoroughly study the commission’s report, prepare short-term and long-term reform suggestions, analyze the explanations received, assist in drafting a new Cooperative Act, and examine and analyze files related to cooperative institution commentary cited in the report. Minister Pratibha Rawal emphasized that the implementation of the report will be prioritized and stated, “Work on concrete plans for structural reform of the cooperative sector, as recommended by the report, has already begun.”