Centre for Media FreedomFormal launch of Strengthening Citizen Engagement in Anti-corruption Efforts (STREAC) project was held on Friday at Lainchour, Kathmandu. Altogether 35 people including representatives of anti-corruption governmental agencies like Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) and Special Court along with consortium partners, Anti-corruption Expert Advisory Committee members and other anti-corruption experts attended the programme.
Organised by lead partner in STREAC project, SODEC, the programme sought to gather feedbacks from experts on project activities and working modalities. CMF Executive Director Mr. Bimal Gautam delivered a short presentation on status of corruption in Nepal and STREAC project’s relevance. Saying that the project envisioned strong corruption control agencies, he requested experts to provide constructive feedbacks for the smooth operation of the project.
Project Director Dr. Pius Mishra in his presentation provided the project overview and explained all major activities in detail. Key areas of the project like civic education, media mobilisation, researches and expert inputs are innovative concepts which will initiate a mass movement against corruption, he added.
Anti-corruption Expert Advisory Committee member Mr. Niranjan Baral, while commenting on project activities, said that the project has arrived at the right moment. He further said that all kinds of interventions to alleviate corruption are essential and encouraging young students and journalists against corruption is the beauty of this project.
Mr. Hari Tiwari from Social Welfare Council wished success of the project and gently reminded consortium partners to abide by organisational rules. Mr. Chhabi Bhattarai from DMLI suggested consortium partners to expand activities against corruption based on researches on corruption-prone geographical regions and sectors. Special Court Registrar Mr. Bhadrakali Pokharel praised the project for its clear identification of focus areas and hoped that it would develop sense of high dignity in general public. Corruption occurs in those places where authority’s discretionary powers are immense but transparency and accountability are missing and it would be wonderful if the project’s research component focused on it, he added.
Anti-corruption Expert Mr. Narayan Manandhar in his candid talk suggested consortium partners to review weaknesses of past projects of similar nature so that the mistakes would not be repeated. He also asked partners to read latest literature on citizen engagement and said that he is open to provide consultation on project activities.
Expert Advisory Committee member and CMF Chairperson Mr. DhrubaHari Adhikary provided his observatory remarks and said that the project should move ahead with positive thoughts. Dr. Ken Afful from the ODC said that his organisation will train young journalists on good governance to make this project a success and also for the betterment of society. Project Director Dr. Pius Mishra thanked all for participating in the programme and said that he had a great learning experience. Mr. Suman Poudel from NCCR extended a vote of thanks to all and said that consortium partners will incorporate all suggestions raised in the programme from experts.
Previously, an orientation programme for consortium partners had been organised on March 15 to orient project staff about overall project activities.