PATAN, Aug 9: Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee Hari Dhakal has called for greater integrity, discipline and accountability among political leaders and public officials to strengthen good governance.
Addressing the National Governance Summit organised by the Good Governance Protection Forum in Lalitpur on Sunday, Chairperson Dhakal said citizens are the source and strength of governance and that government institutions should place citizens at the centre of their functioning.
Where there is government, there is corruption!
He cautioned that the excessive influence of individuals in positions of power could undermine good governance, stressing that public officials and agencies responsible for governance must remain disciplined and committed to their duties. Dhakal also highlighted the role of citizens in holding lawmakers and other public officials accountable and ensuring that their actions remain guided by the rule of law and established standards of discipline.
Vice-Chair of the National Planning Commission Dr Gunakar Bhatta said the 16th Periodic Plan has prioritised good governance, social justice and prosperity, with a particular focus on increasing production and productivity. He said Nepal must address challenges including climate change, food security and brain drain while working toward the Sustainable Development Goals through digital governance and a digital economy.
Chair of the NGO Federation Arjun Bhattarai said the summit’s focus on digital governance was timely and significant. He stressed that good governance cannot be achieved without meaningful civic participation in policymaking and lawmaking, as well as public ownership of those processes.
