Rooting Out Corruption

In its Corruption Perception Index (CPI), 2022, the Transparency International places Nepal on 110th position out of 180 countries and territories. Nepal has scored 34 points. In 2021, it was ranked 117th with 33 points. Figures show that the country has slightly improved in the corruption index but this hardly belies the entrenched corruption that has roiled the nation for decades. Widespread corrupt practices have undermined the good governance, system of meritocracy, economic development and democratic culture. Corruption exists in various forms such as embezzlement, bribery, kickbacks, fraud, extortion, nepotism and favouritism. The declining ethical values and norms have been also attributed to the rampant corruption cases. Political protection, weak enforcement of related laws and leniency towards corrupt persons has also given rise to corruption.