Asset Investigation Commission begins its work

 Kathmandu, Apr. 22

The government-formed Asset Investigation Commission, established with the objective of ending widespread corruption and impunity in the country, has formally commenced its work from Wednesday.

A Cabinet meeting on April 15 had constituted the five-member commission under the chairmanship of former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari. The commission’s office has been set up at Keshar Mahal.

Bhandari, took the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday before Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla. He subsequently administered the oath to other members - former Chief Judge of the Appellate Court Purushottam Parajuli, former High Court Judge Chandi Raj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal.

The commission, mandated to operate in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1969 (2026 BS), has already had its Terms of Reference approved. With a tenure of one year, it will collect and conduct detailed investigations into the assets held within Nepal and abroad in the names of current, retired, or former public office holders and their family members.

As per the provision, the commission must submit a report to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers immediately upon completing an investigation of any individual, and the government is required to implement it within 45 days.

The commission has pledged to function in a fully independent, impartial, and professional manner, free from any external pressure or influence.

It will accept complaints through written, verbal, electronic means, social media, or any other medium.

While the commission may seek expert advice from various sectors as necessary during its work, strict provisions prohibit the engagement of experts with conflicts of interest, it said in a statement.

The formation of the commission aligns with the government’s anti-corruption commitment outlined in point 43 of the 100-point Governance Reform Agenda approved by the Cabinet on  March 26.

Currently, the OPMCM is screening 32 personnel required for the commission.

According to the commission, to ensure transparency, staff deployed to it will also be required to publicly disclose their asset details within one week of assuming their duties.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 April 2026.