By Chiran Sharma
Corruption in Nepal is no longer a hidden practice—it has become a visible scar on the nation's governance. Political leaders promise reform during election seasons, yet once in power, their names reappear in scandals involving misuse of public funds, irregular contracts, and shadowy deals. For ordinary citizens, corruption is not just a newspaper headline; it is an everyday reality, shaping everything from how licenses are approved to how justice is delivered.
In recent weeks, the government's move to restrict social media platforms has raised serious questions about intent. While officials argue it is a matter of "regulation" or "social order," many Nepalis believe the real purpose is to shield politicians and bureaucrats from public scrutiny. Social media has been the strongest platform for citizens to expose corruption, organize dissent, and demand accountability. By seeking to control it, the state is effectively trying to silence criticism, not corruption.
But Nepali youth—especially Gen Z—are not backing down. Their protests in Maitighar and beyond show that this generation refuses to inherit a broken system. They see through the excuses, and they understand that transparency cannot exist in darkness. For them, social media is not a luxury but a necessity—an instrument of truth and a safeguard against political manipulation.
It is also time to confront an uncomfortable reality: corruption is not limited to politicians. Many government employees have mastered the art of exploiting loopholes, delaying services, and demanding bribes. A striking irony is visible—while public servants officially earn modest salaries, a significant number of their children are studying abroad in costly universities. Citizens naturally ask: if not funded by corruption, how are these expenses being managed?
The anti-corruption struggle in Nepal must therefore widen its lens. Accountability must include not only ministers but also the bureaucratic machinery that sustains corruption at every level. Unless both politicians and civil servants are held responsible, reforms will remain cosmetic.
Nepal stands at a turning point. Attempts to suppress free voices may delay exposure, but they cannot erase the truth. The protests led by young Nepalis send a clear message: corruption is no longer an untouchable subject. The louder the state tries to silence its people, the stronger the demand for transparency will grow.
