11th February 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s performance in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has worsened compared to last year. Despite improving its rank slightly, the country’s situation remains problematic.
Nepal Corruption Perception Index 2024
Slight Improvement in Rank
Nepal scored 34 out of 100 in the 2024 CPI, securing the 107th position. Last year, the country scored 35 points and ranked 108th. Although Nepal’s position improved by one spot, this was mainly due to other countries slipping in rank. The overall decline in Nepal’s score indicates a concerning trend.
Challenges in Key Areas
Transparency International assesses corruption across six sectors: imports and exports, public services, tax payments, government contracts, and judicial decisions. Public perceptions indicate that corruption in these areas has increased, contributing to the decline in Nepal’s CPI score.
The country’s lower score reflects ongoing issues with governance and accountability. Transparency International relies on surveys conducted by external organizations to measure corruption, focusing on areas such as bribery, governance, and the transparency of public institutions.
Global Context
Nepal’s score of 34 points is below the global average of 43. According to Transparency International, countries scoring below 50 are considered highly corrupt. Although Nepal’s rank improved by one spot, it still faces significant corruption challenges.
Comparing with Other Countries
Denmark continues to hold the top spot in the CPI, having maintained its position for seven consecutive years. On the other hand, South Sudan ranks at the bottom as the most corrupt nation. Among the 180 countries surveyed, Nepal’s score shows some improvement, but the overall global average remains low.
Call for Reform
While a one-spot improvement in Nepal’s ranking may seem positive, experts argue that the country’s situation is far from resolved. Transparency International Nepal President, Madan Krishna Sharma, emphasized that a 2-3 point improvement is typically considered normal. However, Nepal’s decline in score shows no meaningful progress.
A Need for Stronger Action
The CPI report highlights the need for more comprehensive anti-corruption measures in Nepal. Despite the rank improvement, Nepal must continue its fight against corruption with stronger actions and reforms. Addressing issues in public service sectors and ensuring transparency in government functions will be crucial to improving the nation’s standing in future CPI reports.
Conclusion
Nepal’s slight improvement in the 2024 CPI is overshadowed by the ongoing corruption challenges. The country’s score remains below the global average, signaling the need for further reforms to combat corruption and strengthen governance. Only with stronger efforts can Nepal hope to improve its ranking in the future.
For more: Nepal Corruption Perception Index 2024