Property probe sparks anxiety among former officials

KATHMANDU, May 28: A sweeping government probe into the assets of current and former public officials has triggered widespread anxiety among bureaucrats, politicians, and business leaders, with critics warning of potential economic fallout.

The commission, formed by the Balen Shah-led government began work on Monday after being tasked with investigating the property holdings of individuals who held public office between fiscal years 2062/63 and 2081/82. Officials estimate that nearly 30,000 individuals will fall under its scope, including former prime ministers, ministers, lawmakers, judges, senior bureaucrats, and security officials.

While the initiative has been praised by some as a bold step toward accountability, many former officials argue that the government’s approach is unnecessarily broad and has created fear among those who served without allegations of misconduct. A former secretary criticized the move, saying the government has “put everyone in the same category and caused unnecessary distress,” adding that retired officials living ordinary lives are being unfairly troubled.

He warned that the sweeping probe could have long-term negative impacts on the economy, noting that the stock market and real estate transactions have already declined sharply. Banks and financial institutions are reportedly seeing fewer loan applicants, while entrepreneurs are reluctant to expand business activities.

Another former official questioned the fairness of requiring detailed property records from individuals who retired nearly two decades ago, pointing out that Nepal’s Permanent Account Number (PAN) system was introduced only about 10 years ago. He argued that the weak record-keeping culture prior to that makes retrospective investigations unjustified.

He added that while investigating those suspected of accumulating abnormal wealth through abuse of office is necessary, law-abiding citizens should not be harassed. “The government should protect those living normal lives while focusing only on individuals under suspicion,” he said.

The commission’s mandate covers a wide range of officeholders, including under-secretaries and above, heads of constitutional bodies, members of the Constituent Assembly, provincial assembly members, former judges, attorney generals, senior officials of the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department.

The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Prime Minister have assigned 38 staff members to support the commission. Serving and retired officials, including judges, have already begun internal discussions on how to submit property details.

Retired officials argue that they have already submitted annual property declarations during their service and at the time of retirement, questioning the necessity of further investigation. They also raised concerns about the absence of a legal limitation period, noting that continued scrutiny after retirement amounts to harassment.

One former official emphasized the principle of legal finality, stating: “The principle of limitation exists so that old disputes do not remain open indefinitely. Individuals should eventually be able to live without fear of unresolved issues. Shouldn’t this principle also apply to property investigations?”

The commission has stated that its purpose is to determine whether public officials abused their positions to accumulate illegal wealth. Even in the absence of direct evidence, unexplained assets may be treated as corruption, with legal action to follow.