Kathmandu: In response to an outcry over the removal of the two-year cooling off provision from the Federal Civil Service Bill, the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee convened on Wednesday to address the situation. The Committee decided to request the National Assembly to ensure the inclusion of this provision, which was omitted when the bill passed the House of Representatives last Sunday.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the cooling off provision is designed to prevent top bureaucrats from obtaining government appointments within two years of their retirement or resignation. However, the provision was effectively nullified by the insertion of a proviso that undermined its intent. Committee Chairman Ramhari Khatiwada announced that the meeting concluded with the decision to urge the National Assembly to restore the cooling off period in the bill.
Additionally, the Committee plans to request Speaker Devraj Ghimire to investigate the alterations made to the bill. Lawmakers argue that the changes contradict the values and spirit upheld by the Committee. Some lawmakers expressed that the Committee members were originally unanimous in supporting the two-year cooling off period, and the passage of the bill without it was cause for concern. They suggested that the Committee Chairman and secretary should take responsibility for the oversight, emphasizing the need for an investigation into the matter.
The Federal Civil Service Bill, having passed the House of Representatives, has now been forwarded to the National Assembly with a message. Chairman Khatiwada highlighted the importance of passing the bill quickly, as it is a crucial step toward implementing administrative federalism in the country.