Kathmandu. The ‘Property Investigation Commission’ formed by the government with the objective of ending corruption and impunity in the country has formally started its work from today.

The cabinet meeting on April 15, 2083 had formed a five-member commission under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The office of the commission has been set up at Keshar Mahal.

Former Chief Judge of the Appellate Court, Purushottam Parajuli, former judge of High Court Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC and chartered accountant Prakash Lamsal were administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed Chairperson of the Commission.

The working conditions (TOR) of this commission, which has been entrusted with the responsibility of performing its functions under the ‘Inquiry Act, 2026’, have also been approved. The commission, which has been assigned a one-year term, will conduct a thorough investigation by collecting property details in the name of public officeholders, retired or removed from office and their families in the country and abroad.

The commission has to submit a report to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers as soon as the investigation of any person is completed. The government will have to implement it within 45 days. The commission will have to fulfill its responsibility without being pressured or influenced by anyone, promising to work in a completely independent, impartial and professional manner. The commission will collect complaints through written, oral, electronic, social media or any other means.

Although there is a provision that the Commission can consult experts from various fields as per the need in course of its performance, strict conditions have been set that experts with conflict of interest cannot be invited.

This commission has been formed in accordance with the anti-corruption commitment mentioned in point number 43 of the ‘100 Agendas for Governance Reforms’ approved by the cabinet meeting on March 27, 2008. At present, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers is screening 32 employees required for the commission. In order to make the work of the commission transparent, the employees deployed there have also been required to make their property details public within a week of assuming office.