Corruption in Nepal’s bureaucracy is a multifaceted issue with deep roots, stemming from a combination of political, economic, social, and institutional factors. While it’s a challenge faced by many developing nations, some specific aspects exacerbate the problem in Nepal. Here are some of the commonly cited reasons:
- Political Instability and Interference:
- Nepal has experienced significant political transition and instability over the past few decades. Frequent changes in government can lead to a lack of consistent policy implementation and create opportunities for political actors to interfere in bureaucratic appointments, transfers, and decision-making processes for personal or party gain.
- This interference often undermines meritocracy and professionalism within the civil service, fostering a culture where loyalty to political patrons can be more important than competence or integrity.
- Weak Governance and Rule of Law:
- Despite the presence of anti-corruption bodies, their effectiveness is often hampered by a lack of resources, political influence, and insufficient autonomy.
- The implementation and enforcement of laws can be weak, leading to a sense of impunity where corrupt individuals believe they are unlikely to face serious consequences.
- Low Salaries and Incentives:
- Public sector salaries in Nepal are often not competitive with the private sector or sufficient to meet the rising cost of living. This can create an environment where some bureaucrats may be tempted to engage in corrupt practices to supplement their income.
- Lack of Transparency and Accountability:
- Opaque decision-making processes, limited access to information, and weak accountability mechanisms make it easier for corruption to thrive.
- When citizens and oversight bodies cannot easily scrutinize government actions, the risk of illicit dealings increases.
- Culture of “Afno Manchhe” (Our People) and Nepotism/Favoritism:
- A deeply ingrained culture of nepotism and favoritism (often referred to as “kripabad” or “afno manchhe”) means that personal connections and affiliations can heavily influence recruitment, promotion, and the awarding of contracts, rather than merit or fair competition. This erodes trust and encourages corrupt behavior.
- Complex and Cumbersome Bureaucratic Processes:
- Overly complicated and lengthy administrative procedures can create opportunities for “rent-seeking” behavior, where officials may demand bribes to expedite services or navigate the red tape. This is sometimes referred to as “speed money.”
- Social Acceptance and Impunity:
- In some instances, there can be a degree of social tolerance or resignation towards petty corruption, viewing it as a necessary evil to get things done. This, coupled with a perception that high-level corruption often goes unpunished, can perpetuate the problem.
- Influence of Money in Politics:
- The high cost of contesting elections can lead politicians to seek illicit funds, sometimes through corrupt deals involving bureaucrats, to finance their campaigns and recover their investments once in power.
- Transitional Justice and Systemic Weaknesses:
- Periods of transition, such as the shift to a federal republic, can strain existing institutions and create new vulnerabilities for corruption if robust checks and balances are not quickly established at all levels of government.
Addressing bureaucratic corruption in Nepal requires a comprehensive approach involving political will, institutional reforms, strengthening the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, civil society engagement, and fostering a culture of integrity.