The National Council deliberated on the Annual Anti-Corruption Commission Report, 2014 prepared by the Good Governance Committee, today.
Of the several issues discussed, human resource and financial independence of ACC were the two highlights. The report states retaining its employees is a challenge for ACC.
“ACC needs experienced and well-educated people. If they are resigning, why is it so? Is it because there is no proper perks and benefits, and salary structure? Is there external pressure?” said Bumthang NC MP, Nima.
Samdrup Jongkhar’s Representative, Jigme Wangchuk said ACC’s nature of job is risky. “So, it is important that they get the human resource and financial independence.”
ACC has done a job within nine years since it was institutionalized, said Gasa NC MP, Sangay Khandu. “Isn’t it time to provide the support it needs?”
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is fighting for its’ full independence. The Chairperson of ACC, Dasho Neten Zangmo has submitted a letter to the National Assembly’s Speaker for the same.
NC’s Good Governance Committee reported that ACC is inclined to seek final judiciary interpretation of the constitutional provision.
The committee also reported that given the high allocation of budget in procurement section there is greater risk of corruption, wastage, and lack of due diligence. The Good Governance Committee’s report is based on complaints received by ACC with regard to procurement. It is the third highest corruption preceded by misuse of resources and land.
The house recommended that, the Parliament needs to strengthen its oversight on public procurement system, since it has direct impact on the quality of work, public resources and delay in developmental works.
“Given the possibilities of corruption, I think we should have a construction Act in place to address this issue,” said Dagana’s Representative, Sonam Dorji.
The committee reported that there is an indication that the public procurement system needs to be reviewed from a much broader perspective given the challenges faced by the various stakeholders.
Bhutan spends almost 17.6 percent of the 104.38 billion GDP on procurement annually.
