Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that abuse of authority is not a minor mistake but a serious challenge to the legitimacy of the state and to social justice.
Addressing a program organized to mark the 35th anniversary of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he said the anti-graft body needs to work in a manner that convinces people that no one is above legal accountability, regardless of their power or position.
“Abuse of authority is not a simple mistake; it is a grave challenge to the legitimacy of the state and to social justice,” he said. “However, this is not a time for complacency. I still feel the need for the CIAA to work in such a way that it instills confidence among the general public that no one is exempt from legal accountability simply because of their power or position.”
President Paudel further added that abuse of authority is not merely a violation of law but also a deep blow to the faith, trust, and future dreams of the people. “Abuse of authority goes far beyond financial loss or moral degradation and damages the bridge of trust between the state and its citizens,” he said. “When public power is used for personal interests, not only is the state’s trust in its citizens weakened, but citizens’ faith in the state is also eroded. This breeds frustration toward the governance system, weakens faith in the rule of law, and undermines the fundamental values of democracy.”
He added that the excessive desire for power, authority, and wealth leads people toward corruption by encouraging the misuse of processes, systems, and institutions. However, he expressed confidence that corruption can be controlled and even eradicated if every one make a firm commitment through their habits, behavior, and conduct to refrain from engaging in or allowing corrupt practices.
