KATHMANDU: The National Vigilance Center (NVC), responsible for monitoring, regulating, and conducting surprise inspections to ensure effective public service delivery, is grappling with severe staff shortages and limited office space.
The Center, currently housed on the ground floor of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology at Singha Durbar, has repeatedly been asked to relocate by the Ministry due to space constraints. However, the lack of adequate personnel has already affected its operations.
According to the Center’s spokesperson and joint secretary Narayan Bhatta, around 30 percent of the 147 sanctioned positions remain vacant. “Given the sensitive nature of the work, many employees are reluctant to be posted to the Center,” Bhatta said.
The Center’s 23rd annual report shows that out of 24 approved police positions, only 12 are filled, and among 96 civil service positions, just 71 are occupied , leaving 31 percent of posts vacant.
Established under the Corruption Prevention Act, 2002, the Center operates under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office. Its mandate includes collecting intelligence to prevent corruption, monitoring and investigating irregularities, conducting field inspections, verifying property details of public servants, and providing policy recommendations to related agencies.
The report notes that the shortage of technical staff and low staff retention have hindered the Center’s effectiveness. “The lack of technical professionals has directly impacted the quality and speed of our work,” Bhatta admitted.
Government Spokesperson Hemraj Aryal said the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is aware of the staffing problem and is considering ways to fill the vacant posts as per the approved structure. Discussions are also underway to provide the Center with a separate, functional office building.
The Center’s office and vehicles were also damaged during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, when parts of the Education Ministry building were set on fire. Operations have gradually resumed as the ministry has returned to regular function at Singha Durbar.
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