NIA Chairman Surya Prasad Faces Corruption Charges, Leaves Office After CIAA Case

Kathmandu – Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) Chairman Surya Prasad Silwal has been charged with the  corruption case filed by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The case, submitted to the Special Court, accuses Silwal of unlawfully extending his tenure and misusing public funds amounting to NPR 3.6 million.

Silwal’s term was supposed to end on 14th Shrawan 2080 (July 2023), as per the mandatory retirement age of 65 years. However, investigations revealed that he continued in office by allegedly misrepresenting his age and ignoring government directives. Despite the Ministry of Finance deeming his tenure illegal, Silwal remained in his position, collecting salary and benefits during this period.

The CIAA’s chargesheet seeks the recovery of the benefits received during his extended tenure and requests the freezing of Silwal’s assets under Sections 15 and 16 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059. According to the charges, had the CIAA not intervened, Silwal would have stayed in office until 9th Falgun 2081 (February 2025).

Silwal vacated the NIA headquarters following the suspension triggered by the CIAA’s filing. Leaving the office late in the evening, he chose not to use the official vehicle and instead walked home. Silwal, visibly emotional, bid farewell to colleagues and reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the circumstances surrounding his departure.

This leaves the NIA in a challenging position, as the Authority has already been functioning without an Executive Director for over eight months. Silwal’s suspension is expected to delay both administrative and policy decisions, adding to operational uncertainties.