Financial Crime World

Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts Face Challenges Amid Stagnant Progress

Thimphu, Bhutan - Despite efforts to combat corruption, Bhutan’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2022 has remained stagnant, with the country placed at 25th position, maintaining a score of 68 for the fifth consecutive year. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) acknowledges that changing public attitudes towards corruption is a major challenge.

Addressing Challenges

To address this, the ACC conducts extensive awareness campaigns, launches its myACC app, and utilizes social media platforms to facilitate easy reporting of corruption. Collaborations with civil society organizations and media outlets are also part of their efforts to build a corruption-free society.

Enhancing Investigations

However, ensuring the capacity of ACC staff to deal with evolving corruption risks is another challenge. To tackle this, the ACC has enhanced its Intelligence-Based Investigation approach, prioritizing cases based on strategic intelligence and focusing on high-impact cases involving substantial public funds or national significance.

Staff Welfare and Security

The ACC also faces challenges in retaining skilled personnel while maintaining a conducive working environment with adequate incentives. To address this, the commission has implemented various staff welfare schemes and social security measures, as well as established a dedicated security unit to safeguard officials while on duty.

Whistleblowers’ Role

Whistleblowers play a crucial role in the fight against corruption, and maintaining their confidentiality is of utmost importance to the ACC. The Anti-Corruption Act 2011 empowers citizens to report corruption anonymously, and the ACC encourages everyone to report corruption freely without inhibition.

Systemic Vulnerabilities

Studies have revealed that individuals holding significant power and authority are exposed to the possibility of misusing their entrusted privileges, while those working in public agencies responsible for handling revenue and resources face increased vulnerability to corruption. To address these vulnerabilities, systematic studies are conducted in identified high-risk areas, and relevant recommendations are made for implementation by agencies.

Prevention Advisories

The ACC issues prevention advisories called “Denkuel” to highlight potential corruption risks and strategies to address them. Two such advisories were developed and shared with stakeholders during the fiscal year 2021-2022, focusing on community contracting in gewogs and drawings and building construction approvals.

Business Integrity Initiative

The Business Integrity Initiative of Bhutan has also been introduced since 2017, and as of now, 18 companies have formalized their commitment to promote ethical businesses in the country. The ACC continues to carry out general advocacy and awareness programs for target audiences, aiming to ensure the sustainability of integrity measures and foster an informed and vigilant citizenry.

Key Takeaways

  • Bhutan’s ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2022 has remained stagnant at 25th position.
  • Changing public attitudes towards corruption is a major challenge.
  • The ACC is enhancing its Intelligence-Based Investigation approach to tackle evolving corruption risks.
  • Whistleblowers play a crucial role in the fight against corruption, and maintaining their confidentiality is of utmost importance.
  • Vulnerabilities exist in areas such as resources, contracts, natural resources, and personnel.

Strategic Prioritization

Based on the challenges faced by the ACC, strategic prioritization should be focused on:

  1. Changing public attitudes towards corruption through extensive awareness campaigns and collaborations with civil society organizations and media outlets.
  2. Enhancing the Intelligence-Based Investigation approach to tackle evolving corruption risks.
  3. Strengthening integrity systems and governance mechanisms to address vulnerabilities in areas such as resources, contracts, natural resources, and personnel.
  4. Maintaining the confidentiality of whistleblowers and empowering citizens to report corruption anonymously.

By prioritizing these strategic areas, Bhutan can make significant progress in combating corruption and achieving its long-term national goal.