Kathmandu: Transparency International (TI) has publicly disclosed the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023, evaluating corruption levels worldwide. In this index encompassing 180 countries, Denmark secures the top position with a score of 90, signifying the least corrupt country, while Somalia ranks at the bottom with a score of 11, indicating the highest corruption levels. The CPI ranges from 100 (very clean) to 0 (highly corrupt).

Transparency International, in its press release, highlights that progress in controlling corruption in the public sector has not been notable in the past decade. Governments have faced challenges in effectively combating corruption, with weak judicial systems contributing to the persistence of corrupt practices.

Key Points from CPI 2023:

• There has been a lack of progress in controlling corruption in the public sector over the past decade.
• Governments have been unsuccessful in their efforts to curb corruption.
• Weak judicial systems have fueled corruption.
• Unchecked or undemocratic actions by leaders have led to an increase in corruption.

Nepal’s position in the CPI 2023 is 108th with a score of 35, a slight improvement from its 2022 score of 34 (110th position). The country’s average score in the index this year is 43. In the context of the Asia-Pacific region, the average score is 45. More than two-thirds of countries worldwide have scores below 50, indicating a serious issue of corruption.

Compared to the previous year, Nepal has shown some improvement in its score, but it continues to reside in the category of countries with extensive corruption issues, according to the CPI 2023. The global survey has been compiled based on assessments by six organizations, including Bertielsmann Foundation, Global Insight, BDI, World Bank, World Economic Forum, and World Justice Project.

• The Bertielsmann Foundation focuses on the misuse of public positions and the effectiveness of government efforts in controlling corruption.
  Global Insight surveys corruption in business, trade, contracts, bribery, and corrupt practices in import and export.
• The World Justice Project assesses political corruption related to the parliament, executive, and judiciary.
• The World Bank monitors the oversight of public officials’ work and access to information by civil society.
• The World Economic Forum examines corruption in import and export, public services, tax payments, contracts, and judicial decisions.

The World Justice Project investigates the misuse of public positions by representatives of the government, judiciary, parliament, and security agencies for personal gain.
The findings from these organizations collectively contribute to creating a comprehensive Corruption Perceptions Index, shedding light on the state of corruption globally.