Creating a Corruption-Free Society: Initiatives and Challenges in Bhutan
Introduction
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bhutan has been working tirelessly to create a corruption-free society. Through various initiatives, the ACC aims to promote integrity, prevent corruption, and enhance transparency in all sectors of Bhutanese society.
Key Initiatives by the ACC
- Thematic Programs: The ACC conducts thematic programs to sensitize public and private officials about professional-based ethical standards and associated corruption risks.
- Online Training Modules: The ACC provides online training modules for various professions to promote integrity and prevent corruption.
- Youth Education: The ACC has implemented ethics and integrity curricula in schools and tertiary institutions, along with establishing integrity clubs in schools, to instill good values and behaviors among the youth.
- Awareness Campaigns: The ACC conducts extensive awareness campaigns, launches the myACC app, and utilizes social media accounts for easy reporting of corruption cases.
- Collaborations: The ACC collaborates with civil society and media to shift public attitudes and build a corruption-free society.
- Intelligence-Based Investigation Approach: The ACC enhances its Intelligence-Based Investigation approach, prioritizing cases based on strategic intelligence and focusing on cases involving substantial public funds or of national significance.
- Staff Welfare Schemes: The ACC has implemented various staff welfare schemes and social security measures to retain skilled personnel while ensuring a conducive working environment with adequate incentives.
- Business Integrity Initiative of Bhutan: The ACC introduced the Business Integrity Initiative of Bhutan in 2017, which involves portfolio companies and listed companies of Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI) promoting ethical businesses in the country.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, corruption remains a significant challenge in Bhutan. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2022, Bhutan ranks as the 25th least corrupt country in the world. The ACC is committed to contributing to Bhutan’s long-term national goal of creating a corruption-free society through its Strategic Anti-Corruption Roadmap 2021-2030.
The ACC will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote integrity, prevent corruption, and enhance transparency in all sectors of Bhutanese society. With determination and commitment, the ACC aims to create a corruption-free society where everyone can live with dignity and respect for their rights and freedoms.