Kathmandu, June 19 -- Nearly two months after the government launched an ambitious drive to scrutinise the assets of officials who have held positions since 2006, including public office holders ranging from local government chiefs to the prime minister, participation has fallen short of expectations.

A commission headed by former Supreme Court justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari was formed for the exercise.

Although more than 25,000 people are estimated to be required to submit asset declarations, only around 10,000 have complied so far. Instead of gaining momentum, the campaign has faced growing resistance, with former judges openly challenging the panel's legal standing and urging colleagues to boycott the process.

The body was forced t...