Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah CIAA Complaint: Public Procurement Act Violation

12th June 2025, Kathmandu

A formal complaint has been submitted against Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The complaint accuses the mayor of breaking procurement laws while installing a new lift in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office.

Kathmandu Mayor Balen CIAA Complaint

The complaint came from advocate Yubaraj Safal. He claims that the mayor installed the lift without following the proper legal procedures. According to Safal, the lift installation costs around NPR 10 million (1 crore). However, the process did not involve any competitive bidding, tender, or quotations. These steps are required by Nepal’s Public Procurement Act, 2063, and the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064.

Safal clarified that he does not oppose the installation of the lift itself. Instead, he objects to how the procurement was handled. He said, “My concern is that the procurement process ignored the law. It was non-transparent and non-competitive.” He emphasized that public bodies must follow strict rules for buying goods or services to ensure fairness and transparency.

Moreover, the complaint includes a serious allegation. Sources inside the metropolitan office claim the lift was installed mainly for Mayor Balen Shah’s personal use. This claim raises questions about whether public resources were misused. Safal’s complaint calls for a full investigation into this matter.

Details Of The Alleged Procurement Violation

Safal’s letter to CIAA points out violations of specific legal provisions. He mentions Clause 11 of the Public Procurement Act, 2063, which requires public institutions to call for tenders in procurement activities. The complaint also refers to the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064, which provide detailed rules on fair and competitive purchasing.

According to these laws, government agencies must invite bids publicly and select suppliers transparently. Skipping these steps breaches the law. Therefore, Safal argues that Kathmandu Metropolitan City did not follow these mandatory procedures. This breach, he says, led to irregularities in the lift installation project.

Request For Investigation And Transparency

The complaint asks the CIAA to act promptly. Safal demands that all related documents about the lift installation be retrieved and examined. He also urges the commission to conduct a thorough inquiry to find out if there was misuse of authority or public funds.

Furthermore, Safal asks the authorities to take necessary legal action if the investigation confirms any wrongdoing. The complaint highlights the need to uphold transparency and accountability in public procurement. It also stresses the importance of fair governance practices in city offices.

Context And Public Concern

This complaint has come at a time when local governments in Nepal face close public scrutiny. Urban centers like Kathmandu often handle large projects and budgets. As a result, people expect strict oversight to prevent corruption or mismanagement.

The issue of the lift installation raises broader concerns about ethical governance. Citizens want clear answers about how public money is spent. They also seek assurance that officials follow the law and avoid conflicts of interest.

Response And Next Steps

So far, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has not issued any public statement regarding the complaint. The mayor and city officials remain silent on the allegations.

However, the filing of this complaint could lead to serious consequences. If the CIAA investigates and finds proof of misconduct, legal actions might follow. This case may also prompt the city government to review its procurement processes to avoid future problems.

In conclusion, the complaint filed by advocate Yubaraj Safal sheds light on alleged irregularities in the lift installation at Kathmandu Metropolitan City. It calls for strict adherence to public procurement laws and demands transparency in city governance. The outcome of the CIAA investigation will be closely watched by the public and media.

For more: Kathmandu Mayor Balen CIAA Complaint