“Kanel, who has served over six districts as CDO, has removed lax in the government office. Service seekers get timely and efficient response and his efforts for district-wide cleanliness among others have been very effective,” said a representative of Accountability Lab while elaborating Kanel’s achievements.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Poverty Alleviation, Chitra Bahadur KC stated that the award would inspire others to follow his footsteps and work for the development of the country.

After receiving the award, Kanel said the award has given him additional courage and energy to work for public welfare.

“I will continue uplifting the standards of the government office in terms of efficiency. This award has given me more energy,” he said while expressing his commitment.The award is given every year to highlight and honor Nepal’s honest government officials instead of defaming the wrong-doers, Accountability Lab said.

A panel of judges including Suryanath Upadhyaya, former chief of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Ganesh Shah, former minister of science and technology; and Bharat Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of Transparency International Nepal, had selected top five finalists for the honor based on their “innovation, commitment and integrity” while serving the public. The finalist was selected on the basis of SMS poll that was participated by the general public.