KATHMANDU: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has warned that heads of government offices will be held primarily accountable if any form of corruption or irregularity is found within public institutions.

In a circular issued to secretaries of all ministries, commissions, and government offices, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal directed officials to ensure good governance and strict compliance with integrity standards.

The directive notes that the new government formed after the March 05 elections has placed good governance at the top of its priorities, particularly in the wake of the public movement led by Gen-Z youth on September 8 and 9, 2025.

Citing disappointing assessments in international reports regarding Nepal’s governance standards, the government has pledged to eliminate policy-level, institutional, and procedural corruption across public bodies.

Secretaries have been instructed to take immediate steps to prevent the misuse of public office and authority in key areas such as service delivery, development works, revenue administration, and procurement processes.

The circular also emphasizes improving the quality of public service delivery so that citizens can directly experience ethical governance. It calls for making government offices and personnel more efficient, professional, and integrity-driven to rebuild public trust.

Additionally, the government has directed that priority be given to women, children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups in public service delivery.

Office heads have been made responsible for ensuring courteous behavior toward service seekers, maintaining neutrality and transparency, and strictly enforcing the ethical code of conduct prescribed by law.

The government has further urged close monitoring of potential corruption and collusion within ministries and subordinate bodies. Office chiefs have been instructed to maintain efficiency and cost-effectiveness in regular operations, while also conducting surprise inspections.

Any information related to corruption must be promptly reported to the concerned authorities. The government has warned that if irregularities are found in any office, the office chief will be treated as the primary liable authority and action will be taken accordingly.