KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has issued strict directives to various government agencies to intensify efforts to curb corruption and control smuggling.
During a meeting on Sunday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister addressed top-ranking officials from the Department of Revenue Investigation, Department of Money Laundering Investigation, Public Procurement Monitoring Office, National Vigilance Centre, Nepal Trust, National Investigation Department, and other agencies.
He urged them to work more effectively in combating smuggling and the misuse of state property, according to the PM’s Secretariat.
At the annual review meeting, PM Oli referenced past incidents of gold smuggling through Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and emphasized that such activities led to significant revenue losses and fostered corrupt practices due to the negligence of the concerned agencies.
“Such activities are no longer acceptable. Unabated smuggling is not possible,” PM Oli asserted, directing the officials to fulfill their responsibilities diligently.
He also urged the officials to protect the nation from further degradation and to promote hope and confidence among the people.
The Prime Minister highlighted that these agencies were brought under the PMO’s oversight with the expectation of improved performance.
Additionally, PM Oli called on the officials to create an environment that fosters job opportunities for the youth within the country.
He stressed the importance of good governance and development, in line with democratic norms and values.
Present at the meeting were the Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Advisor, Dr. Yubraj Khatiwada, National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari, Chief Secretary Liladevi Gadtaula, and other government secretaries.
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