2018 World Corruption Perception Index: Nepal Ranks 124, US 71

Transparency International, a world corruption analysis firm released its report titled ‘The 2018 Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI)’ on January 29, 2019.

As per the report, the continued failure of most countries to curb corruption is contributing to a spiraling concern for democracy across the world.

The 2018 CPI report was put together after conducting 13 surveys and expert assessments to gauge public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories.

“With many democratic institutions under threat across the globe – often by leaders with authoritarian or populist tendencies – we need to do more to strengthen checks and balances and protect citizens’ rights,” said Patricia Moreira, Transparent Technology Managing Director.

It measures corruption on a scale of 0-100, where the highest score indicates least corruption and the lowest score indicates high corruption.

Alarmingly, more than two-thirds of the world countries score less than 50 with an average score of just 43!

It is noteworthy that only 20 countries have improved their CPI since 2012 including Côte, Estonia, D’lvoire. Whereas, 16 countries have significantly deteriorated including Australia, Chile and Malta.

Nepal’s Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI) 2018

Nepal climbed two spots higher in 2018 with rank and score of 124 and 31, respectively as per Transparent International’s CPI index, up from 122 in 2017.

Nepal stands at 124 indicating a long way to go for the country in progressing over anti-corruption, out of the 180 world countries.

Nepal’s score remains almost the same, as there was no progress made to reduce corruption this year.

According to the 2018 CPI report, after the 2017 elections Nepal continues to remain affected by corruption in the public sector, businesses and by government officials.

“Nepal’s score is concerning,” reads the press statement.

Nepal’s Aviation scam was one of the biggest instances of corruption in the country, which cost Nepal NPR 4.35 billion

Transparency International has been publishing the report since 1995 and included Nepal in its country list since 2004.

USA Corruptions Perceptions Index (CPI) 2018

The CPI report puts US at a rank and score of 22 and 71, respectively, which drops it out of the top 20 countries on the CPI for the first time since 2011, losing four points compared to last year.

The low score only intensifies the growing concern over threats to the country’s system of checks and balances and erosion of ethical norms at the heights of power.

South Asian Countries 2018 CPI

Denmark received a score of 88 out of 100, indicating that it is the least corrupt country whereas Somalia was scored 10, becoming the most corrupt country in the world.

The Way Forward

Transparency International has outlined a few guidelines for world governments to achieve the desired progress against corruption:

• Strengthen the institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances over political power, and ensure their ability to operate without intimidation;
• Close the implementation gap between anti-corruption legislation, practice and enforcement;
• Support civil society organizations which enhance political engagement and public oversight over government spending, particularly at the local level;
• Support a free and independent media and ensure the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation or harassment.

Let’s hope that every country makes sincere efforts to curb the growing menace of corruption that eats away at its economy.