Kathmandu, June 30
The House of Representatives has passed the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2082, incorporating major reforms including a two-year cooling-off period for retired civil servants before taking constitutional or diplomatic appointments.
The Bill, tabled one and a half years ago, had drawn significant debate over provisions related to retirement age, lateral entry, entry age, and administrative restructuring. It raises the retirement age to 60, to be implemented in phases over three fiscal years.
A notable change is the removal of open competition for the position of joint secretary, limiting it to undersecretary (gazetted second class) and below. The age limit for women entering civil service has been reduced to 39.
The Bill will now move to the National Assembly. Upon its endorsement, it will require presidential authentication before being published in the gazette.
Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Raj Kumar Gupta had tabled the proposal. Lawmakers from various parties participated in Sunday’s deliberations. The next HoR meeting is scheduled for July 7.
