Bhutan’s Efforts to Combat Corruption Show Sustained Progress, Says Transparency International

Thimphu, Bhutan - A Beacon of Transparency

According to the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Bhutan has continued to make significant progress in its fight against corruption. The country’s ranking has improved from 33rd in 2012 to 24th this year, with a score of 68 out of 100.

Anti-Corruption Efforts Pay Off

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) highlighted that while Bhutan’s score has remained stagnant at 68 for the past three years, it is still one of the best scores the country has achieved since 2006. The ACC emphasized that maintaining this momentum is crucial to prevent corruption in the public sector.

Challenges Ahead

However, Transparency International warned that Bhutan needs to intensify its anti-corruption efforts to keep pace with changing socio-economic conditions and maintain its ranking among top-performing countries. The organization also highlighted that many countries have seen significant reductions in their scores over the past decade.

CPI Report Highlights

• Nearly half of all countries have been stagnant on the index for almost a decade.
• Only 32 percent of top-ranking countries have improved their score.
• Bhutan’s efforts to combat corruption are among the few exceptions, with the country improving its score by five points in the past year.

Recommendations for Enhanced Anti-Corruption Efforts

To combat corruption and curtail the spread of the pandemic, Transparency International recommends:

• Mainstreaming anti-corruption policies in COVID-19 response programs and plans.
• Strengthening oversight institutions.
• Promoting civic space.
• Publishing relevant data.

Bhutan’s Achievements

• Bhutan has consistently ranked among the top-performing countries in the Asia Pacific region.
• Bhutan is the cleanest country in the SAARC region.