Nepalese Lawmakers Up in Arms Over Federal Civil Service Bill

Nepalese lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties are criticizing the Federal Civil Service Bill passed by the House of Representatives, citing the insertion of a clause that exempts chief secretaries, secretaries, and joint secretaries from a two-year cooling-off period. The bill, aimed at preventing conflict of interests, was initially agreed upon by lawmakers to apply to all civil servants. However, a provision was added excluding top government officials from the cooling-off period, sparking heated debates and demands for an investigation.

Key Takeaways:

• The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee (SAGGC) of the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to include a two-year cooling-off period for all civil servants in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
• A clause was inserted in the final report, exempting chief secretaries, secretaries, and joint secretaries from the cooling-off period.
• Members of the SAGGC met Speaker Devraj Ghimire and demanded an investigation into the matter, calling it a serious and unpardonable offense.
• Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala condemned the insertion, calling it an unpardonable crime.
• CPN-MC Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal termed it a serious conspiracy and demanded action against those responsible.
• UML lawmaker Padam Giri demanded accountability for the insertion of the exception, stating it undermines the dignity and role of the House committee.

Statistics:

• The Federal Civil Service Bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Sunday.
• The bill was initially agreed upon by lawmakers to apply a two-year cooling-off period to all civil servants.
• The bill excludes chief secretaries, secretaries, and joint secretaries from the cooling-off period.
• The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee (SAGGC) met Speaker Devraj Ghimire to discuss the issue.

Sources:

[1] Himalayan Times Media Entertainment and Tech Ltd (2025-07-01)

[2] Contify.com