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The recently passed Federal Civil Servants Act by the House of Representatives has opened the path for the implementation of administrative federalism in Nepal. With the bill being approved by a majority on Sunday, it signifies a significant step towards the restructuring of administrative functions in the country.
The legislation outlines the provision for the designation of the chief secretary of the province by the federal government, while the secretary of the provincial ministry is to be appointed as the provincial secretary. This move marks a transition from the federal government appointing provincial secretaries to the provinces themselves taking charge of the appointments, as stated in clause 116 of the bill.
Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, expressed his opinion on the news, emphasizing the importance of decentralization and strengthening administrative federalism in Nepal. He highlighted the need for the federal government to relinquish more control to the provinces to ensure effective governance at the local level.
The bill also addresses the formation of local government services under the provinces, as mentioned in Article 227 of the Constitution. It stipulates that the chief administrative officer of the local level will be appointed under the province, a shift from the previous practice where the federal government appointed such officials.
Furthermore, experts in administration such as Umesh Mainali have noted that while the bill aims to promote administrative federalism, there are concerns that the federal government may still seek to exert control over the provinces. This raises questions about the true extent of decentralization and autonomy that the provinces will have in practice.
Khemraj Regmi, another administration expert, has pointed out that the current system of deploying employees by the federal government to the provinces has been functioning well for the past ten years. He emphasized the need for the State Public Service Commission to further mature before considering any changes to the current deployment system.
In addition, the bill introduces new provisions in the recruitment process for government services, including age limits for male and female candidates, reservation quotas, and restrictions on multiple reservations for the same individual. It also mandates the creation of additional positions such as deputy secretaries and modifies the tenure of key administrative roles to enhance efficiency.
Overall, the Federal Civil Servants Act represents a significant milestone in the restructuring of administrative functions in Nepal. It sets the stage for a more decentralized system that empowers provinces while also addressing the need for gender inclusivity and efficiency in public service recruitment.
As the bill moves to the National Assembly for approval, it is essential to monitor how these new provisions will be implemented and their impact on the overall governance structure of the country.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: June 30, 2025 12:00 am
