KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has said that the newly formed Property Inquiry Commission will not interfere with the work of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Nepal’s constitutional anti-corruption body.
Responding to questions during the House of Representatives’ discussion on the Appropriation Bill, 2083, on behalf of Prime Minister Balen Shah, Wagle clarified the government’s position regarding the newly formed commission under the Office of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Defence, and National Planning Commission.
He said the commission was created in line with public demand for an end to corruption and better governance, as well as commitments made by the Rastriya Swatantra Party during elections. He added that it will investigate the assets of individuals holding political and public responsibility and recommend action if unlawful wealth accumulation is found.
Wagle emphasized that the commission is not a permanent investigative body and will not conduct criminal investigations itself. Instead, it will review asset declarations of designated officials and forward cases for legal action to the Government of Nepal if irregularities are identified.
He further stated that since the commission will not take over the constitutional role of the CIAA, there will be no overlap or institutional conflict. According to him, the formation of such a body is expected to discourage the misuse of public office for personal gain and strengthen accountability in governance.
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