Nepalese King Gyanendra Thursday announced the formation of an anti-corruption commission that will be given broad powers to investigate and jail corrupt politicians and government bureaucrats.

A statement issued by the royal palace said the six-member commission would be headed by Bhakta Bahadur Koirala, a former bureaucrat, and would be granted authority equivalent to that enjoyed by the nation's courts.

"The commission can investigate and take action against any person on the basis of complaints or information received from any source in connection with smuggling or tax evasion, involvement in the dealing of illegal contracts and other actions defined as corruption by the existing laws," the notice said.

The move follows a series of draconian measures put in place since February 1, when Gyanendra dismissed the government and declared a sweeping state of emergency and suspension of civil liberties in the Himalayan kingdom.

The king said the measures were needed to combat a leftist insurgency, which has claimed more than 10,500 lives since 1996, and to bring political stability to the country.

He also promised to take measures to control corruption.

News of the anti-corruption commission was greeted with cautious optimism in Nepal, where many politicians in successive governments in recent years have been accused of graft and bribery, with several of them being forced to resign in disgrace.

"It is about time some action was taken against these corrupt politicians who have done nothing but get fat while the country is getting poorer everyday," said Sanjay Aryal, a university student in the capital, Katmandu.

"This commission is formed by the king, who at the moment is the highest authority in Nepal. If this fails, then there is no cure for corruption."

The move comes just a day before opposition parties planned to take to the street to protest against Gyanendra. Such protests are illegal according to the state of emergency provisions imposed after Gyanendra dismissed the government.

(China Daily February 18, 2005)