From Promise to Pause

The deadline for creating an asset inquiry committee within 15 days has been missed with no updates. The delay has not been explained as the accusations of corruption remain unresolved. The Giribandhu Tea Estate land transfer issue and a number of earlier accusations connected to various administrations' policy-level decisions are still being debated. There have been significant concerns raised by these incidents, but no definitive findings have been made. Because of current legislative constraints, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is unable to look into decisions made at the Cabinet level. It is challenging to determine whether decisions made by the Cabinet collectively reflect abuse of power since existing laws protect such judgments. The present administration, headed by Balendra Shah, has said unequivocally that it would solve these issues. The creation of an asset inquiry committee including legal, financial, and investigative specialists was one of its 100-point reform agenda items. It was anticipated that the committee will examine prominent officials' and political leaders' riches over the last few decades. This action was seen to be crucial for enhancing accountability. But there was no palpable improvement by the deadline. A lack of preparation is demonstrated by missing the deadline. Setting up such a committee is indeed a difficult undertaking because it is responsible for looking into financial documents, confirming sources of income, and investigating those who now hold or have held positions of authority.