KARNA BAHADUR CHAND

CIAA's Man

Experienced and committed, Secretary at the top anti-corruption recalls his past

By A CORRESPONDENT

Every civil servant aspires to become Secretary in his career but only a few make it to the top. A man from far-western region, Secretary at the Commission for Investigation on Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Karna Bahadur Chand is one of them.

In his three decade long career, Chand has collected enormous experience in different administrative fields. He has already worked as Secretary at half a dozen of ministries.

Chand has seen many ups and downs in his career including phases of uncertainty but he never lost his patience.

Chand, who joined civil service in 2032 B.S. as a Section Officer, was promoted to the gazetted second class as under secretary in 1975. It took him long years to take another promotion as joint secretary.

Chand also served as chief district officer in various districts. A cadet of Works And Transport Ministry, Chand knows the problems and prospects of district administration.

"As a civil servant, I have always faced tough challenges while fulfilling my responsibilities," said Chand. "I am proud to say that I have successfully completed all my previous assignments."

Chand is among few senior special class officers who have heir own style of working. He was promoted to the post of Secretary in 1996 at the Ministry of Labor but was transferred to CIAA in 1998.

A masters-degree holder, Chand has also completed Bachelor in Law. He has received higher training from universities and training centers in various countries.

Chand has wide range of experience of working in different departments and ministries. "The present challenge of our bureaucracy is to meet expectations of the people," said Chand.

Born in Baitadi district, 55-year-old Chand holds views that bureaucracy has an important role in carrying out development activities successfully in the country.

Chand has already visited more than half a dozen countries and attended regional as well as international conferences on good governance.

At a time when there are growing cases of corruption in public life widely reported in media, the job of a civil servant like Chand becomes very challenging.

Like others, Chand sees corruption and misuse of authority as one of the major challenges of the country. "We must work seriously to contain such practices," he said.

Democratic system is a system of transparency and accountability. Chand holds the view that the government and bureaucracy should, therefore, follow the basic principles of accountability.

During his leisure, Chand enjoys reading newspapers, magazines and listening to the radio. "I want to give back something to the society that has helped me to reach to this position," he says philosophically. He could do so by booking the culprits involved in corruption that have remained scot free till now. "Corruption can be contained if political leaders are determined."