Nepal, April 2 -- Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal has directed all government ministries, commissions and offices to take stricter measures to control corruption, warning that office heads will be held accountable if corruption is found in their institutions.

In a circular issued on Thursday, Aryal said the head of the concerned office would be held primarily responsible if any corruption-related activity is detected.

The letter also asks ministries, commissions and government offices to provide suggestions on policy, legal, institutional and procedural reforms needed to prevent and control financial irregularities and corruption.

Aryal noted that Nepal's position in international reports assessing corruption has remained discouraging...