Historical Background

Since the time of the reunification of modern Nepal in 1768, both bribe takers and givers were considered amongst Nepal's worst enemies. More recently, legal provisions for corruption control have been developed, especially since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, and a new Corruption Control Act in 2002 through which NVC was established under the direct control and supervision of the Prime Minister.

Although there is no parliament, the King is Head of State, and the government, formed under the King's chairmanship, recently issued a 21-point program with topmost priority accorded to peace, security and corruption control. As a result, the Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) has also been set-up in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990. All anti-corruption agencies are now more active and effective and RCCC recently commenced questioning some politicians and civil servants on charges of corruption.

In addition, as a signatory to the UN Convention on Anti-Corruption, a government appointed committee is making preparations to fulfill obligations under the Convention.

Technical Audits

NVC's Technical Audit Division (TAD) monitors quality control of civil works in public infrastructure projects and meets World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) concerns over such quality control. Established in 2003, the TAD has already initiated technical audits of some WB & ADB funded projects and its capacity is being further strengthened and developed through:-

• Training to both private and public sector engineers;
• Preparation of five audit manuals for infrastructure projects such as irrigation, road, rural road, housing and drinking water;
• Working with infrastructure departments to improve the technical quality of survey, design, bidding, construction, operation and maintenance;
• Establishing functional linkages with other organizations such as the Auditor General's Office and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority;
• Development of sustainable funding mechanisms.

As a relatively new concept for Nepal these steps are just the beginning, but technical audits are now considered amongst the most important tasks of NVC.

Achievements and Future Plans

NVC is still in its formative stages. It has intensified monitoring mechanisms of government ministries, departments, offices and public institutions and property disclosure by civil servants is more effectively monitored. Developments also include enhanced arrangements to receive public complaints and grievances, resulting in a growth of complaints.

Examples of recent major investigations:-

• Enquiries into a bridge construction project resulted in discussions in parliament, a government report and departmental action against officials;
• Revenue losses through illegal imports of mobile phones caused government officials and a businessman to be punished;
• A famous drinking water project involving road construction, raised Nepalese press concerns of corruption - and has led to charges against a former prime minister, a former minister of physical planning and top-level civil servants.

Corruption prevention measures will include Regional and District level seminars and workshops organized to raise people's awareness; and partnership initiatives with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority. People now understand NVC's role and functions, which are gradually increasing.

Other efforts involve the institutional strengthening of NVC, including manpower and physical facilities and enhanced training for which strategic plans are being finalised. A weekly-radio program will also be launched shortly. The Centre has also received assistance from ADB for technical audit, including support from the US government under the rule of law project for corruption prevention activities. In addition, it is seeking to establish relationships and share experiences with other anti-corruption agencies in Asian and other countries.