We are getting worse?
2 September 2009
According to ACC Commissioner Kezang Jamtsho, Bhutan has the conditions to be in the top 10 corrupt countries in the world. Tempa Wangdi finds out more
Q. Do you think there are corruption cases that still go unreported?
A . Things have improved unlike before.
Q. What is the state of corruption in Bhutan?
A . Bhutan is 45th in Transparency International Corruption Perception Index out of 180 countries in the world. However, we should not be happy with the rank we are in now because Bhutan is at a precarious state.
Q. You said that, although Bhutan is the least corrupt country in South Asia, there was nothing impressive about it. Why?
A . Because we have the conditions to be in the top 10 corrupt countries in the World. Also, in South Asia, we are in a region where corruption is high.
Q. Is corruption getting out of control in Bhutan?
A . It seems that we are getting worse. But it is very difficult to back up such a status with facts since we have had information about corruption for about three years only.
Q. What are the causes of corruption in Bhutan?
A . The main cause of corruption in Bhutan is the absence of well-defined systems for any engagements or businesses – there are quite often loopholes in the system which are manipulated or misused for self-benefit. In order to misuse or manipulate, discretionary power or authority vested in people completes the circle. Under such a scenario, misuse of authority, misuse of public properties, embezzlement, collusion and bribery are the forms of corruption that take place.
Q. Do you think penalizing the convicted individuals can help prevent and fight corruption or does our government need to develop other strategies to curb corruption?
A . Penalty is the deterrence for future. Corruption is in the mind, not in the system. It is the intention, not policy. We cannot blame system in the final analysis.
Q. Why do you think that there is an increasing number of corruption reports despite ACC taking stringent action against the guilty?
A . It is a good indication that corruption cases will not go unreported. Because there were no agencies to handle corruption until ACC came into existence.
Q. Does it mean that corruption existed even before ACC came into existence?
A . Yes, it’s fairly correct to say that.
Q. Considering the state of corruption in Bhutan, should the government make better plans with least chances of misuse of funds and power?
A . Certain procedures need to be changed like in mines. They have to be transparent. For example, some of them have been auctioned and others leased. It has to be one.
Q. Can corruption be stopped altogether?
A . Theoretically, corruption will be there but its level will fall with measures we take.
Q. Is prevention and fighting corruption ACC’s only responsibility?
A . Broadly, yes. Preventing corruption through system improvement and fighting it through punitive and administrative remedies form the core responsibilities of ACC.
Q. How can the Bhutanese help prevent and fight corruption?
A . First by shunning it. Second, by contributing to measures of preventing it and finally, by fighting it collectively.
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Loading ...Zakar for Friday July 30 2010
20th Day of the 06th Month - Iron Male Tiger Year
Auspicious for: Carrying out daily chores and making offerings.
Inauspicious for: Starting construction of new house, sowing seeds, planting flowers, entering the new house, shifting houses, calling upon superiors, starting business, doing charity works in the name of deceased, taking out dead bodies, paying grain debts, undertaking long journey and holding discussion.
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45th position? Does this mean that Bhutan is better off or worse than the rest of the 135 countries?
My take is, though Bhutan has corruption in the system but is not as serious in other countries. I guess many would have experienced how corruption is openly practiced in some of the countries.
It is sad that some times the ACC, though intention is for good, but paints the picture of Bhutan being very corrupt, especially by the MTV that is being aired on BBS.
I feel that right now the focus is only on embezzlement of funds and not on other forms of corruption. There has not been any investigation and action on nepotism and misuse of pool vehicles.
To be frank the we find that ACC staff themselves are driving the pool vehicle, which I guess according to the circular issued by the MoF is not allowed. Isn’t this a corruption ?
The new Government will uproot Corruption. By 2013, we might see Bhutan’s ranking in the range of 80-90.
Forget what Kezang Jamtsho has to say. Deep inside he also knows himself that corruption cannot be stopped completely as he himself could have been a corrupt in the past (perhaps) by the way he puts his things in public. Wom would he choose his father or his uncle if one has to be killed to keep the life going.
Corruption is deep rooted in our system, and may be in our culture. While ACC is doing a great job, I doubt Bhutan can ever be corruption free more so with democratization. But this is not to suggest that we should give up the fight. If every Bhutanese strives not to be corrupt, does not tolerate corruption and penalize those who are corrupt severely, I am sure Bhutan can be corruption free. But do we have the will and integrity?