Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration has intensified investigation into the irregularities and irregularities in the cooperative sector.

According to the Ministry, suggestions and recommendations made in the report submitted by the Commission of Inquiry on Irregularities in Cooperatives-2082 formed as per the decision of the Council of Ministers is being implemented.

The report made public as per the decision of the Council of Ministers on May 25, 2083 has sought clarification from the then office-bearers and employees who were found to have played a role in the cooperative registration, expansion of jurisdiction, approval of service centres and branch offices and merger which were against the cooperative principle, norms and values and prevailing laws.

The report had recommended the investigation into the names of 14 former office-bearers and employees. Employees ranging from section officer to joint-secretary are among those seeking clarification.

The Ministry has also directed the concerned persons to submit a written response within seven days as to whether or not they have carried out the works mentioned in the commission’s report during their tenure.

If the response is not received within the stipulated time, the Ministry has said that necessary process will be initiated as per the prevailing laws.

Formation of a committee for further study

The Ministry has formed a five-member committee under the coordination of Chief of the Administration Division for the implementation of the commission’s report and further study.

The committee comprises director of the Cooperative Regulatory Authority, under-secretary of the Law Division of the Ministry, sub-registrar of the Department of Cooperatives and the under-secretary of the Cooperative Promotion Section of the Ministry.

The committee has been mandated to carry out a detailed study of the commission’s report, prepare suggestions for immediate and long-term reforms, analyse the clarifications received, assist in drafting the new cooperative act and study and analyse the comment files on cooperatives pointed out in the report.

Departmental Minister Pratibha Rawal said the implementation of the report would be prioritized. She said that work has been started on a concrete plan for structural reforms in the cooperative sector as per the suggestions of the report.