Kathmandu, June 2: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has intensified efforts to address irregularities in Nepal’s cooperative sector by initiating the implementation of recommendations made by the Cooperative Irregularities Investigation Commission-2082 (2025/26).
According to the ministry, the commission’s report, made public following a Cabinet decision on May 24 (Jestha 11, 2083), identified serious concerns regarding the registration of cooperatives, expansion of operational jurisdictions, approval of service centers and branch offices, and cooperative mergers.
The report recommended investigations into 14 former officials and employees who were found to have played roles contrary to cooperative principles, values, and prevailing laws. Those asked to provide clarification range from section officers to joint secretaries.
The ministry has formally requested written explanations from the concerned individuals, asking them to clarify within seven days whether they were involved in the activities cited in the commission’s report and to provide supporting evidence for their responses.
Officials have warned that if responses are not submitted within the stipulated deadline, further action will be taken in accordance with prevailing laws.
To facilitate the implementation of the commission’s recommendations and conduct additional analysis, the ministry has formed a five-member committee led by the head of its Administration Division.
The committee includes representatives from the Cooperative Regulatory Authority, the ministry’s Legal Division, the Department of Cooperatives, and the Cooperative Promotion Division.
Its mandate includes:
- Conducting a detailed study of the commission’s report;
- Preparing recommendations for immediate and long-term reforms;
- Reviewing and analyzing the explanations submitted by the concerned officials;
- Assisting in drafting a new Cooperative Act; and
- Examining files and records related to cooperatives highlighted in the report.
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Pratibha Rawal said the government would give high priority to implementing the commission’s recommendations.
She stated that work has already begun on a comprehensive plan for structural reform of the cooperative sector in line with the report’s findings, with the aim of improving governance, accountability and transparency across the sector. #nepal
