Fake contractors: ‘User groups’ in Nepal grab development projects to leave them substandard and embezzle funds

The establishment of “user groups” in Nepal was seen as a good thing. When it started, it helped complete various projects in the communities. Projects that were left in limbo were carried out in a swift manner by these user groups and they were lauded by the communities too. But, lately, things have been different as these user groups that were formed to help out local communities have been working solely for the benefit of the groups and their members, embezzling funds and taking on projects that they do not have the capacity to undertake.

According to data provided by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Office of the Auditor-General and National Vigilance Centre, user groups, going against the said rules, have spent in excess of Rs 15 billion a year on average recently. These groups, which had been created with pure intentions, now, have been poisoned by government officials, political cadres and even lawmakers.