IMF pushes for regular asset list of govt employees

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested that the government make sure that every public-sector employee submits the list of assets and updates the list regularly to help lessen corruption.
The multilateral lender made the recommendation in its staff report, released on June 25, on the eve of completion of the 2nd review of the US$4.7 billion loan programme and approval of the release of $1.148 billion as third tranche.
In the past the IMF had suggested only collecting asset statements from key government officials.
"To combat high-level corruption effectively, it is essential to reinforce the  asset declaration process for public officials by enforcing sanctions for non-compliance and adopting a standardised approach for the usage and regular updating of the declarations," the IMF said.
It also said: "Enhancing governance and reducing vulnerability to corruption would contribute to a better business environment."
In the recent past reports on accumulation of huge assets by some top government officials who were in-service or went on retirement have been published in the media outlets and social media platforms which caused a stir in society.
Some of the officials have been summoned by the Anti-Corruption Commission and a process is underway to bring more under trial.
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