Federal Civil Service Bill Introduces Stricter Conduct Rules for Government Employees, Permits Share Purchases from Open Market

In a notable legislative development, Paragraph 9 of the recently presented Federal Civil Service Bill, introduced in Parliament on Monday, delineates stringent regulations governing the conduct of government employees. The bill addresses a range of permissible and restricted activities, with a particular emphasis on preventing civil servants from engaging in teaching roles within preparatory classes for the Public Service Commission exams. Importantly, the bill grants government employees permission to purchase shares from the open market or acquire less than one percent of founder shares without becoming a basic shareholder.

Among the specified restrictions, civil servants are barred from engaging in political activities, criticizing the government, participating in strikes, working outside their designated roles, publishing government-related news, receiving donations or gifts, and borrowing money. Notably, the bill explicitly prohibits civil servants from establishing or participating in the operations of banks, companies, or cooperative organizations without prior government approval. However, it allows them to purchase shares from the open market or acquire less than one percent of founder shares without becoming a basic shareholder.

Addressing concerns about employees teaching during office hours, the bill aims to curb such practices by disallowing civil servants from providing training in programs meant for the preparation of competitive examinations conducted by the Public Service Commission or any public body.

Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on civil servants making comments on electronic media or social networks that could amplify social hatred, incite violence, or express opinions for or against public officials, political parties, or their officials.

Retired civil servants face a two-year restriction on taking appointments, barring constitutional or diplomatic roles or any other positions approved by the Government of Nepal. Furthermore, post-retirement engagements as employees or consultants are restricted to intergovernmental bodies, international development partners, or organizations directly aligned with the scope of their previous work.