Property Commission extends asset declaration deadline to end of Asar

KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has extended the deadline for submitting asset declarations until the end of Asar.

Commission Chair Rajendra Kumar Bhandari said the deadline was extended by one month after individuals required to submit their property details requested additional time, citing ongoing data collection and insufficient time to complete the process.

“Since many individuals in Nepal and abroad informed us that they are still in the process of collecting their property details and repeatedly requested more time, the deadline has been extended accordingly,” he said.

He clarified that this is the final extension. “No further extension will be granted. All concerned must submit their property details within the extended deadline,” Bhandari added.

The commission stated that difficulties in collecting records may have also been caused due to damage to some offices during recent Gen Z-related protests and arson incidents.

So far, more than 3,500 individuals have submitted their property declarations to the commission. Additionally, over 60 complaints related to property issues have been received, according to the chair.

The commission has urged individuals to submit their declarations with confidence, stating that all documents will be registered and then moved into the investigation phase.

Previously, the commission had requested submissions by the end of Jestha. Under the revised deadline, individuals may submit their property details via self-submission, representatives, postal services, or email.

The commission has also called for complaints and information regarding individuals who held public office between 2048 and 2083 BS and allegedly accumulated disproportionate assets through abuse of authority.

For investigation purposes, the commission has divided the post-1990 democratic period into two phases: 2048–2062 BS and 2062–2082/83 BS, and will examine files and complaints accordingly.

Formed by the current government with a mandate to investigate property accumulation of individuals who have held public office since 2048 BS, the five-member commission is currently focused on collecting asset declarations and complaints.

In recent days, former employees have been visiting the commission office in large numbers to submit their declarations. Many have reported that the process is convenient, with ministry-wise help desks set up to facilitate submissions.

The commission expects to collect property details of 40,000 to 50,000 individuals in total.

Those required to submit declarations include current and former high-ranking government officials (gazetted special and first class), as well as equivalent service holders in public institutions.

This also includes former and serving prime ministers, ministers, state ministers, assistant ministers, their advisors, and personal secretaries.

Similarly, constitutional office holders, senior officials appointed through the Judicial Service Council, and heads and board members of state-owned enterprises, authorities, and commissions are required to submit their asset details.

University officials, diplomatic mission staff of first-class rank and above, and gazetted second-class officials in high-contact public offices—both serving and retired—are also included.

Likewise, elected representatives such as former and current mayors, deputy mayors, and higher-level local officials must submit their asset declarations.

The commission’s mandate also includes investigating assets of political office holders and civil servants who have retired or left service, as well as their families, both within Nepal and abroad.

The commission is currently chaired by Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, with members Chandiraj Dhakal, Purushottam Parajuli, Ganesh K.C. (spokesperson), and Prakash Lamsal.