Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives has approved the Federal Civil Service Bill, setting the retirement age for civil servants at 60 years.
The Bill also introduces provisions for creating the positions of additional secretary and establishes a two-year cooling-off period for civil servants.
Committee Secretary Suraj Kumar Dura told reporters on Friday that the Bill, which had been under discussion for a long time, has now been passed. “The bill has been passed, stipulating a retirement age of 60 years for civil servants, provisions for additional secretaries, and a two-year cooling-off period,” Dura said.
According to Dura, the proposed framework includes 15 levels within the civil service.
Earlier in the day, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak informed the committee that the government had agreed to extend the cooling-off period to two years, up from the previously proposed one year. All committee members endorsed this proposal.
Ashok Rai, a member of the committee, called for early enactment of the Bill. “Extensive deliberations on the bill have already taken place. Any further delays can hinder effective outcomes of this legislation,” he added.
Stating that trade unions of government employees have not only tarnished the reputation of the civil service but also impeded its impartiality, he called for an urgent need to streamline this system.
