The recent suicide of Prem Prasad Acharya in front of the federal parliament building in Kathmandu highlights the growing frustration and despair among the citizens of Nepal due to the prevalent issue of corruption in the country.
Transparency International’s latest report has ranked Nepal 117th out of 180 countries in terms of corruption perception. This has not only had a detrimental effect on the economy but also on the lives of citizens who are struggling to make ends meet.
The number of suicide cases in Nepal has been alarmingly high in recent years. This is a clear indication of the deep-rooted social and economic problems that the country is facing.
So what happens after the death of Prem Prasad Acharya? Will Nepal see a fall in corruption? If yes, what should be done to effect such change?
The trigger for a new mechanism
The case of Prem Prasad Acharya is a heartbreaking example of how the corrupt system has adversely impacted the lives of citizens.
He had been struggling with his business, foreign employment, and harassment from various financial institutions, banks, and individuals to whom he had taken loans. Despite his repeated attempts to seek help, he was met with apathy and indifference.
So what could have been done? The government should also establish a robust mechanism for addressing grievances and complaints related to financial institutions, banks, and individuals who engage in malpractice and harassment.
This can be achieved through the establishment of a dedicated agency or department that can investigate and prosecute such cases and provide support and assistance to victims of financial exploitation.
To prevent the deaths of other Prem Prasad Acharyas in the future, it is imperative that the government of Nepal take immediate action to address the underlying issues and problems faced by the people.
This includes implementing stricter laws to curb corruption, and providing support and assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Then, it should also ensure that the citizens have access to basic necessities such as healthcare and education.
Moreover, the government should also work towards creating an environment that encourages transparency and accountability in all sectors. This can be achieved by promoting transparency in government procurement and contracts and by ensuring that all financial transactions are conducted in an open and transparent manner.
Additionally, the government should also increase public awareness about financial literacy and the rights of citizens and provide training and education on financial management to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
An opportunity for the government
The incident of Prem Prasad Acharya serves as a tragic reminder of the dire consequences of corruption and the urgent need for action.
But, it is also a lesson to learn, and if learnt correctly, it can be an opportunity for the government to correct its public image. For this, the government of Nepal must take responsibility for the well-being of its citizens and strive towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Only then can we hope to prevent incidents like the suicide of Prem Prasad Acharya from happening in the future. It is important to create a system where people can trust the government and feel safe to report corruption without fear of retaliation.
Furthermore, the government should take steps to increase transparency and accountability in its institutions while also providing better access to justice for its citizens.
