Welcome decision

Last week, the Information Commission, which is yet to evolve as an established institution, stayed punishment slapped on government school teacher Pushpa Karki by her colleagues for speaking about discrimination meted out to Dalit students at Saraswati Lower Secondary School, Kailali, sending a strong message to people working in public institutions that no one is subject to punishment for disclosing information about irregularities, corruption and other malaise marring their offices. In this particular case, Karki was not even allowed to sign the attendance register by her Brahmin colleagues who took umbrage to the fact that she highlighted the discrimination of the Dalit students. These ‘upper caste’ teachers were found treating the Dalit students as untouchables. This is not only a crime as per our laws and the constitution; it is morally-binding on these teachers to treat every one as equal. After all, they are paid out of public tax. In fact, we urge the government to charge these teachers under relevant law so that others get a lesson and desist from it.



The decision, which holds the distinction of being the first case in our country, is commendable in many ways. In the backdrop of this decision, government officials can be expected to come forward to disclose information about irregularities, discriminations, corruption and other ills of their offices, bosses and colleagues. People are reluctant to share information with the media because they fear punishment. This situation prevails because of the lack of protection from the law if they are identified. The decision of the Information Commission is sure to give a sense of legal protection to those who dare to disclose information relating to irregularities, corruption and other ills that are so common in our public offices. This will go a long way in reinvesting people’s trust in public institutions, most of which are in a shambles.



Our public institutions lack transparency and good governance. Our constitution has guaranteed right to information as a fundamental right. But the rights are yet to be institutionalized in our society. There is also a lack of law like the one related to whistleblower that shields those who disclose information, making people reluctant to reveal information they know.



Although this particular case is related to disclosure of discrimination of students by their dominant teachers, the implications are far-reaching. Whistleblowers can now feel safe and provide vital information and, simultaneously, wrongdoers can now fear the arm of the law which can help check corruption and irregularities. The decision ensures people’s right to information and right to share information. We commend the Information Commission for their decision and hope it will not let the case be an exception.

Related story

RPP’s Shahi asks PM Oli to welcome former king