The health minister went to the extent of saying that it is difficult to work in an anti-corruption agency in a country like Bhutan, where most people are related
Though the corruption scenario in the country has reduced as a whole but the nepotism has increased, the latest report from Anti Corruption Commission says.
Misuse of authority and nepotism are taking lead in the corruption scenario in Bhutan, says the report submitted at the National Assembly yesterday.
This year, as of now, 113 cases of misuse of authority and 58 cases of nepotism are being investigated by the ACC.
The assembly largely discussed shortage of personnel in the commission. It was reported that it is very difficult to get someone who is sincere and dedicated to this work. The report also says that three officials resigned in 2007 and two officers resigned in 2009, and the commission fears that more officials might be resigning. Such challenges have greatly affected the performance of the commission, the report says.
The Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley also recognised the nature of the work in the commission and announced increased allowance to the employees. But Lyonchhen also informed that eliminating nepotism will be difficult in Bhutanese society. Lyonchhen also further pledged full support of the government to the commission.
The Health Minister, Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa said that in a small country like Bhutan, it is very difficult to work in such commissions as everybody is related to each other.
The House also deliberated on the need to educate people at the local government level on fighting corruption, as local governments are the ones with the highest prevalence of corruption.
The House resolved that unsettled cases pertaining to the year 2006 and 2007 are to be settled within three months, subject to accountability. Similarly, the unsettled cases pertaining to the year 2008 are to be settled within six months from now.
The speaker also informed the House that it is a collective responsibility to fight against corruption to achieve the Gross National Happiness.
By Kezang Dorji (Thimphu)
