Civil Servants’ Unions protest against Federal Civil Service Bill
Led by the Trade Union Network, the protesters presented an 11-point demand list, urging the government to address their concerns before the bill is tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
KATHMANDU: Various unions representing civil servants held a dharna (sit-in protest) outside the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration on Monday morning, expressing strong dissatisfaction with certain provisions of the Federal Civil Service Bill recently passed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
Led by the Trade Union Network, the protesters presented an 11-point demand list, urging the government to address their concerns before the bill is tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Uttam Katwal, Acting Chair of the Nepal Civil Service Union, accused the government of being indifferent to the demands of civil servants, particularly regarding their career development and welfare. He emphasized that meeting their demands would not impose a financial burden on the state.
Katwal also highlighted issues with the definitions of federal, provincial, and local levels in the bill.
The unions demand the establishment of technical posts under the Non-Gazetted Second Class Public Service category and the setting of fixed terms for additional secretaries
He further lamented the disrespect and marginalization faced by lower-level employees within the civil service.
Warning of intensified protests if their 11-point demands remain unaddressed, Katwal called on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Despite the protest, the bill is scheduled to be presented in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
