Kathmandu, August 24
Lawmakers have registered nine sets of amendment proposals on a bill seeking to prevent retired constitutional officials from receiving double benefits from the state.
The Remuneration, Conditions of Service and Benefits of Office Bearers of Constitutional Bodies (First Amendment) Bill 2026 was introduced by Prime Minister Balen Shah and has now moved into the parliamentary process.
Shah registered the bill in the House of Representatives on July 30.
The proposed amendment seeks to revise the existing Remuneration, Conditions of Service and Benefits of Office Bearers of Constitutional Bodies Act 1997 to regulate the remuneration and benefits provided to officials of constitutional bodies.
Bill seeks to end double benefits
The government has proposed the amendment after noting that retired civil servants are also appointed to constitutional bodies and, in some cases, continue receiving their retirement pension while also receiving benefits associated with their new constitutional position.
“The practice of appointing particularly retired civil servants to constitutional bodies exists. Officials appointed in this manner receive retirement benefits as well as facilities available under prevailing law after their appointment, resulting in a situation where the same individual receives double benefits from the state treasury,” the bill states.
Prime Minister Shah has argued that officials holding high public offices are expected to demonstrate a high level of ethical and moral conduct.
He said such standards should also be reflected in practice among people holding positions involving significant public accountability.
“If the situation continues in which an office bearer appears to be receiving double benefits, public faith, trust and confidence in the institution associated with that person will ultimately weaken,” Shah states in the bill.
He has further argued that it is not appropriate for an official receiving salary, allowances and other benefits from the state treasury to also receive a pension from the same treasury.
Nine groups of amendments
The bill was opened for amendments after lawmakers held a preliminary discussion on its principles.
Lawmakers have now submitted amendment proposals in nine groups, and the amendments will proceed alongside the government bill.
The proposals could lead to changes in the bill as it moves through the committee stage.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to send the bill to the concerned parliamentary committee for clause-by-clause discussion on Monday.
According to the parliamentary agenda, Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle will present a proposal on behalf of Prime Minister Shah to send the Remuneration, Conditions of Service and Benefits of Office Bearers of Constitutional Bodies (First Amendment) Bill 2026 to the concerned committee for clause-by-clause discussion.
The committee will consider the government’s proposal alongside the amendments registered by lawmakers before the bill returns to Parliament for further consideration.
