Corruption in Politics: Causes, Effects, and Solutions in context of Nepal

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  Introduction to corruption in politics

          Corruption in politics is one of the prevailing issue that has far-reaching consequences. It corrodes trust in government, undermines democratic institutions, and often leads to a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making processes. Corruption can take many forms, from bribery and embezzlement to nepotism and many others. It affects both developed and developing countries, and its effects are felt by citizens all around the world. In this blog post, we will be exploring the causes and effects of corruption in politics, as well as some potential solutions to this pressing issue. By understanding the root causes of corruption and its great impact on society, we can work towards creating a more transparent and accountable political system that serves the needs of all citizens.

The causes of corruption in politics in Nepal

       According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International, Nepal ranks 117th out of 180 countries in terms of corruption. This indicates that corruption is a serious problem in Nepal, and it is getting worse. 
        One of the main reasons for the high level of corruption in Nepal is the weak institutional framework. The country lacks a strong legal system and an independent judiciary, which are essential for fighting corruption. The government has also failed to enforce anti-corruption laws effectively, and corrupt officials often go unpunished.
        Another factor contributing to corruption in Nepal is the culture of impunity. Many corrupt officials are well-connected and have powerful political allies who protect them from prosecution. This has created a culture of impunity, where corrupt officials can act with impunity and without fear of punishment.

The economic and social consequences of corruption 


       Corruption harms all sectors of the economy. It undermines public trust in government institutions, reduces the quality of public services and discourages foreign investment. Corruption also exacerbates income inequality and poverty as resources are misallocated and diverted away from those who need them the most.
        The business sector in Nepal has also been affected by corruption. Nepali businesses suffer from a lack of access to credit, inadequate infrastructure and a complex regulatory environment. Corruption has aggravated these problems by making it difficult for businesses to obtain permits and licenses, and by creating a business environment that is hostile to foreign investment.
        The education sector in Nepal has been particularly affected by corruption. Nepali schools suffer from a lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of well-trained teachers. Corruption has exacerbated these problems by diverting funds away from the education sector and by allowing unqualified teachers to obtain teaching positions through bribery and nepotism.

A few major cases

        One of the most notable examples of corruption in Nepal is the 2019 wide-ranging investigation into the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). The investigation revealed that the NOC officials were involved in a multi-billion rupees scam, where they had embezzled funds by inflating the price of land purchased for building oil storage facilities. The scam involved senior officials, including former managing director Gopal Bahadur Khadka, who was accused of embezzling over Rs 1.5 billion. The case is still ongoing, and it has highlighted the need for stronger measures to prevent such large-scale corruption.
        Another recent example of corruption in Nepal is the 2020 Lalita Niwas land scam. The scam involved the illegal transfer of government land in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, to individuals through forgery and fraud. The investigation revealed that the land was sold at prices far below its market value, resulting in a loss of over Rs 4 billion to the government. The case has led to the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including former government officials and politicians. The case highlights the need for stronger measures to prevent land-related corruption, which has been a persistent issue in Nepal.

Combatting corruption

        To combat corruption in Nepal, the government has taken various measures, including the establishment of anti-corruption bodies and the introduction of anti-corruption laws. However, these measures have not been effective in curbing corruption, and there is a need for more significant reforms. The government needs to strengthen its institutions and systems to prevent corruption, such as increasing transparency and accountability in public processes and promoting the use of technology to reduce opportunities for corruption.

        In conclusion, corruption in Nepal remains a growing challenge for good governance, and recent examples of corruption have highlighted the need for more effective measures to tackle this issue. The government needs to take stronger action to prevent corruption and promote transparency and accountability in public processes. Only then can Nepal achieve sustainable development and progress.

The whole reference was taken from this website:  https://english.onlinekhabar.com/writer/prabin-yadav and Neville Sanschagrin

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