The Government of Nepal has issued the National Integrity Policy, 2083 with the long-term vision of achieving good governance and prosperity through an integrity-based society. The policy recognizes that an integrity-based society and honest citizens with positive thinking are the foundations of good governance and prosperity. It aims to institutionalize a culture of integrity in every sector of society and make integrity an integral part of people’s way of life.
The objectives, guiding principles and foundations, and fundamental policies adopted by the policy are as follows:
A. Objectives
- To promote integrity and good governance by maintaining honesty and ethical conduct in all sectors of society.
- To build a cultured and civilized society by adopting an integrity-based system.
- To establish institutional mechanisms for study, research, and regulation related to integrity.
- To establish mechanisms for the implementation, monitoring, and self-regulation of integrity standards.
B. Guiding Principles and Foundations
- Compliance with the Constitution, laws, and professional values and standards.
- Adopting the principle of “Service is a duty” and maintaining commitment to duty.
- Giving the highest priority to self-awareness, self-regulation, self-evaluation, national interest, and public interest.
- Ensuring transparency and accountability, along with timely decision-making and performance.
- Ensuring accessibility, quality, and equity in public services.
- Incorporating human values into everyday life.
C. Fundamental Policies
- The values and standards of all public bodies shall be made integrity-oriented.
- Arrangements shall be made to promote integrity based on findings and recommendations from studies and research on integrity.
- Transparency, accountability, and participation shall be ensured in the decision-making process.
- Integrity education shall be incorporated into educational and training programs at all levels and sectors to promote human values.
- Religious and socio-cultural tolerance and harmony shall be protected and promoted while respecting diversity.
- Institutional responsibilities shall be assigned for institutionalizing integrity and good governance.
- Regulatory bodies shall be strengthened, and mechanisms for addressing citizens’ concerns shall be made transparent and effective.
- Integrity shall be considered a basis for evaluation and recognition.
- Performance shall be made more effective through self-awareness, self-regulation, self-evaluation, and self-assessment.
Conclusion
The National Integrity Policy, 2083 emphasizes building an integrity-based Nepali society as a foundation for good governance and prosperity. Since public and social institutions are composed of individuals who emerge from society itself, sustainable good governance can be achieved only by developing a culture of integrity throughout society and integrating integrity into people’s way of life. Therefore, activating the policy implementation mechanism and securing the cooperation and participation of relevant stakeholders are essential for the effective implementation of the policy.