ACC received highest complaints from Thimphu
Remote dzongkhags have lesser complaints related to corruption, according to the annual report of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
This, the report attributes to the lesser economic activities in those dzongkhags coupled with smaller population and perhaps a lower level of public awareness on corruption and knowledge of where and how to report corrupt practices.
Thimphu saw the highest (85 complaints) followed by Chukha (33 complaints) and Sarpang (29 complaints). Dzongkhags with the least number of complaints were Lhuntse and Bumthang with three complaints each. No complaints were received from Gasa.
Complaints on “abuse of functions” by public servants still continue to be the predominant type of alleged corruption compromising of 42.6 percent (149) of the total complaints. The largest number of complaints received in the reporting period pertains to other category comprising 43.7 percent (153), which includes those complaints that were either grievances or those that did not constitute corruption offences per se but were the means to corrupt acts such as deception, coercion, forgery, collusion. Substantial resources are spent on dealing with such complaints which affect the efficiency and effectiveness of ACC.
Allegation of embezzlement is also considerable, comprising 12.9 percent (45 complaints) of the total complaints. As in the past, allegation of bribery is the least with only 0.9 percent.
Likewise, the report states that the complaints lodged against Local Governments (LG) continue to be the highest with 119 complaints constituting 33.8 percent of the total complaints. The complaint lodged against LG has increased from 79 complaints in 2015 to 119 complaints in 2016.
The report states that there is no complaints received against the legislature and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). With greater devolution of power, responsibilities and resources to the local level from the central government, there can also be corresponding transfer of corruption opportunities.
ACC claims that the decentralization processes can help strengthen accountability by bringing government closer to the people, decentralization can also present corruption risks especially when there is a weak internal governance system, passive citizens, lack of civic oversight and poor transparency and accountability.
LG are more susceptible to corruption as it is at the local level where citizens and the public sector interact most regularly and directly. When corruption occurs locally, the impact on citizens’ lives can be the most damaging, with the poorest being hit the hardest, according to the annual report, 2016.
Meanwhile, ACC claims that transparency, accountability and integrity must be put at the heart of LG systems so that the ricks of corruption are reduced. Citizens can participate in and influence policy design and implementation for the common good, and hold local officials to account for their decision.
Remote dzongkhags have lesser complaints related to corruption, according to the annual report of the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).
This, the report attributes to the lesser economic activities in those dzongkhags coupled with smaller population and perhaps a lower level of public awareness on corruption and knowledge of where and how to report corrupt practices.
Thimphu saw the highest (85 complaints) followed by Chukha (33 complaints) and Sarpang (29 complaints). Dzongkhags with the least number of complaints were Lhuntse and Bumthang with three complaints each. No complaints were received from Gasa.
Complaints on “abuse of functions” by public servants still continue to be the predominant type of alleged corruption compromising of 42.6 percent (149) of the total complaints. The largest number of complaints received in the reporting period pertains to other category comprising 43.7 percent (153), which includes those complaints that were either grievances or those that did not constitute corruption offences per se but were the means to corrupt acts such as deception, coercion, forgery, collusion. Substantial resources are spent on dealing with such complaints which affect the efficiency and effectiveness of ACC.
Allegation of embezzlement is also considerable, comprising 12.9 percent (45 complaints) of the total complaints. As in the past, allegation of bribery is the least with only 0.9 percent.
Likewise, the report states that the complaints lodged against Local Governments (LG) continue to be the highest with 119 complaints constituting 33.8 percent of the total complaints. The complaint lodged against LG has increased from 79 complaints in 2015 to 119 complaints in 2016.
The report states that there is no complaints received against the legislature and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). With greater devolution of power, responsibilities and resources to the local level from the central government, there can also be corresponding transfer of corruption opportunities.
ACC claims that the decentralization processes can help strengthen accountability by bringing government closer to the people, decentralization can also present corruption risks especially when there is a weak internal governance system, passive citizens, lack of civic oversight and poor transparency and accountability.
LG are more susceptible to corruption as it is at the local level where citizens and the public sector interact most regularly and directly. When corruption occurs locally, the impact on citizens’ lives can be the most damaging, with the poorest being hit the hardest, according to the annual report, 2016.
Meanwhile, ACC claims that transparency, accountability and integrity must be put at the heart of LG systems so that the ricks of corruption are reduced. Citizens can participate in and influence policy design and implementation for the common good, and hold local officials to account for their decision.
Comments
Post a Comment