India Gifts 35 Vehicles to Nepal's Anti-Graft Body

Indian authorities on Thursday gifted 35 vehicles to Nepal's anti-graft body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

At a function held at the CIAA headquarters, India's ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae presented the vehicles worth 33 million Nepali rupees (about $331,000) to the commission.

The 35 vehicles comprise five sedans, 15 double door pickups and 15 sport utility vehicles.

The vehicles will enhance the logistical capacity of the CIAA, provide it greater mobility and contribute to its national objective of curbing corruption, Ambassador Rae said.

Underlining the importance of transparency and good governance for Nepal's overall development, Mr Rae emphasised that society as a whole would need to join hands to eradicate corruption.

India had earlier gifted 846 vehicles to various security agencies and the Election Commission of Nepal during the 2013 election in the country.

A number of mini buses, motorbikes, scooters (ladies) were gifted by the Indian government.

The Indian government has been gifting ambulances and buses to Nepal on the occasion of India's Independence Day and Republic Day since 1994.

So far, a total of 462 ambulances and 90 buses have been given to various government and non-government organisations of Nepal.