Nepal panel to probe property, assets of politicians and officials
Nepal’s government has formed a high-level panel to investigate the assets and property holdings of current and former politicians and public officials, in a major step aimed at tackling corruption.
The initiative comes under Prime Minister Balendra Shah, whose reformist agenda has prioritised transparency and accountability.
The five-member committee will be led by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, according to government officials. Authorities say the panel will conduct evidence-based investigations in line with legal standards, with its findings expected to guide further action by relevant state institutions.
The probe is likely to cover hundreds of individuals who have held public office since 2008, when Nepal abolished its centuries-old monarchy and transitioned to a republican system. Analysts say this broad scope reflects growing public demand for accountability following years of allegations of corruption and misuse of power.
The move follows a sweeping electoral victory by Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party in March, driven largely by youth-led anti-corruption protests that erupted last year. The demonstrations, often referred to as the “Gen Z movement,” highlighted frustration over economic hardship, governance failures and lack of transparency.
Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokhrel said the panel would operate independently, though no specific timeline has been set for completing. Observers note that the success of the initiative will depend on the government’s willingness to act on the panel’s recommendations, particularly in cases involving influential political figures.
Shah, who rose to prominence during his tenure as mayor of Kathmandu, built his political reputation on anti-corruption efforts and administrative reforms. Analysts say this latest signals an attempt to institutionalise those reforms at the national level.
While the initiative has been widely welcomed, experts caution that ensuring due process and avoiding political bias will be critical to maintaining credibility and public trust.
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