The Commission for Investigation and Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Kathmandu has said its directives have been ignored by the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) authority to implement a policy of “dress with no pockets” for loaders.

The anti-graft body had directed Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), which manages ground handling services, and other authorities concerned to issue garments to loaders with no pockets, amid complaints from travelers about theft.

In its report produced after conducting inspections at TIA, the CIAA said authorities concerned informed there were no such practices internationally and trade unions had been opposing its directives.

The inspection team was informed that the loaders had to wear jackets during winters and that it was not feasible to implement the policy. However, this time CIAA has directed NAC to enforce the dress code for loaders as mandatory, removing any opportunity for lenience on the policy.

The anti-corruption authority has also asked NAC to implement electronic attendance reporting for loaders on all shifts through use of a time clock. Furthermore, loaders should be informed about their duty location through SMS an hour before their shift begins, said the CIAA directives.