Kathmandu,5 Nov 2014: Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Lokman Singh Karki has argued the Commission is not against development rather is working as a supporting factor of development.
In his response to queries regarding CIAA performance put forth by lawmakers in a meeting of the Finance Committee (under the Legislature-Parliament), Chief Commissioner Karki stated the Commission is serious towards removing hurdles and irregularities in development endevours.
In the meeting, lawmakers objected to latest activities carried out by the Commission citing they have raised questions over its jurisdiction and the anti-graft body’s activities have discouraged foreign investment in the energy sector.
“What is the jurisdiction of the Commission? Either to conduct investigation or give directions and take action,” they asked, claiming that the Commission latest activities have created terror in the sector of development and its performance is similar to that of a military body. “Is it CIAA who rules the country,” they said, suggesting the CA to keep its jurisdictions in mind while taking any move and be practical.
In response, Chief Commissioner Karki said minimizing rampant corruption in the country, smoothing the  delivery of government services and thereby protecting citizen rights is the top priority of the Commission.
The Commission wrote a letter to the concerned Ministry of Energy recommending action on Kabeli Hydropower Project as it is found working without meeting agreed terms and conditions. It had not directed for halting the project, he said.
He stated “The Commission is carrying out a role of ‘watch dog’ for promotion of good governance and control of corruption, the responsibility given to it by the constitution. It is always alert of its responsibility, serious about development and creation of investment-friendly atmosphere and has never crossed it boundaries.”
Defending the blame for unleashing terror in the country, the CIAA Chief said it would leave no stone unturned to discourage misconduct of hindering the progress of hydropower projects for a long by putting the construction license in bags. Presently, over 500 licenses taken in the name of developing hydropower projects are stored in bags , he said.
He further claimed the Commission has intensified its activities, respecting the rule of law, people’s supremacy, their sentiments and suggestions. The Commission receives 26,000 complaints against abuse of authority every year and it is doing its duty from its central office and other offices in 11 places with the help of 1,000 human resources, Chief Commissioner Karki informed the meeting.
Source RSS
 Lokman Singh Karki has argued the Commission is not against development){kind=link}